Armenia-Iran Border Has Always Been a Bridge of Peace and Cooperation, Says Ambassador

The Armenia-Iran border has always been a "bridge" of peace and cooperation, and any encroachment upon it contradicts the national security of both countries, stated Artashes Tumanyan, Armenia's Ambassador to the Islamic Republic of Iran, in an interview with ISNA news agency. He was responding to a question about whether Iran, as an important regional player, could play a positive role in resolving the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. The Armenian version of the interview was published on the embassy's Facebook page.

“I would like to specifically emphasize Iran's crucial role during the war and the subsequent period, particularly in terms of its principled stance against phenomena threatening regional peace and stability. This pertains to steps taken in the direction of the inviolability of the common border and sovereignty of the two countries (preventive statements, the deployment of Iranian forces along the border). After the last war, there has been a stronger awareness of common threats and interests in Yerevan and Tehran than ever before. Therefore, comprehensive strategic dialogue is necessary, which should encompass all issues related to mutually beneficial bilateral cooperation as well as a wide range of regional security and stability matters,” the ambassador stated.

He noted that today it would be highly beneficial to have Iran actively participating in resolving many complex and problematic issues. He mentioned that they would like to see Iran's effective influence on the Azerbaijani authorities regarding the liberation of Armenian prisoners of war. At the same time, it is crucial to significantly intensify all components of Armenia-Iran relations that ensure the security and economic development of both countries.

“In particular, it is necessary to 'strengthen' the North-South transport and energy corridor, deepen cooperation in the fields of gas and electricity, significantly boost trade growth, and implement joint investment projects. Certainly, there have been many successful examples of cooperation between our two countries in these areas over the past years, but the newly created regional situation requires more active interaction from us,” Tumanyan said.

Addressing the issue of terrorist groups remaining in the region after the war, the ambassador noted that mercenary terrorists brought to the region by Turkey during the last Nagorno-Karabakh war had committed war crimes against the peaceful population of Artsakh as well. He reminded that, according to various sources, Azerbaijan and Turkey are currently trying to settle them in Artsakh and in regions subjected to ethnic cleansing. Tumanyan emphasized that Armenia has always condemned terrorism in all its forms and is ready to cooperate in neutralizing and completely eliminating this threat.