Armenian Prime Minister's Meeting with Iran's Spiritual Leader Seen as a 'Green Light': Vardan Osanian

Iranologist Vardan Osanian wrote on his Facebook page:

"During the Armenian Prime Minister's visit to Iran at the end of February, our diplomacy must make every effort to organize a meeting with the spiritual leader of this country, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei.

The mere fact of a meeting, even a ceremonial one, with one of the most influential leaders in the world, will in itself be seen as a 'green light' for all levels of Iranian structures and officials to deepen relations with Armenia.

On the other hand, considering the significant potential of Iranian studies concentrated at Yerevan State University, I believe it would be appropriate for the Armenian Prime Minister to also visit the 'Institute of Iranian Studies (Foundation)' operating in Tehran, which is led by the spiritual leader's elder brother, Seyyed Mohammad Khamenei, where there is excellent recognition of the Iranian Studies Department of YSU. I think no further explanations are needed regarding the highly positive impact that a meeting of the Armenian Prime Minister with Iran's spiritual leader and his elder brother during the same visit could have on bilateral relations."