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Iran’s Shamkhani: South Caucasus conflicts must be resolved through dialogue
The two discussed bilateral and regional issues.
During the meeting, Admiral Shamkhani referred to the historical relations between the two countries and the cultural links between the two nations of Iran and Armenia, saying, “Stability in the political and economic relations of the two countries is one of the important features of the friendly relations between Tehran and Yerevan.”
Iran’s top security official considered the development of cooperation and interaction with neighbors as one of the unchangeable principles of the foreign policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran and one of the important priorities of President Ebrahim Raisi’s administration, noting, “Good neighborliness and joint efforts to resolve regional challenges through peaceful methods is Iran’s recommendation to all sides.”
Considering the positive horizon of economic interactions between Tehran and Yerevan, Shamkhani called the increase of joint trade exchanges to the amount of three billion dollars an achievable goal, saying, “Iran and Armenia are located in the North-South transit corridor, which will provide a clear prospect for deepening trade relations between the two countries.”
Iran’s top security official stated that tension and conflict in the South Caucasus region is not in the interest of any country, stating, “Any change in the geographical status quo of the South Caucasus region is an escalating action in the direction of the enemies’ desire for the security and stability of the region.”
He noted that harsh approaches to end regional problems should be replaced by continuous dialogue and interaction.
Pointing out that the South Caucasus region is going through a sensitive predicament, Shamkhani expressed hope that the Republic of Azerbaijan and Armenia can manage and resolve tensions with restraint and tact.
For his part, Grigoryan referred to the long-standing relations between Tehran and Yerevan and called on the government and nation of Armenia to develop and deepen comprehensive cooperation with the Islamic Republic of Iran and listed the priorities of his country in the field of foreign policy.
The Secretary of Armenia’s National Security Council stated, “The Islamic Republic of Iran plays an important role in the development of relations between the countries of the South Caucasus and ensuring the security of the region.”
Praising the very effective role of Iran in establishing peace and stability in the region and congratulating the recent agreement between Tehran and Riyadh, Grigoryan said, “The only way to end regional crises and prevent tension and conflict is dialogue and interaction between countries.”
Armenia’s top security official mentioned the electricity transmission projects between the two countries and gas swap between Armenia and Turkmenistan as important issues in relations between Tehran and Yerevan, and emphasized accelerating the implementation of economic projects between the two countries.