VIDEO: Zarif Tells Pashinyan - I Hope We Can Ensure Active Presence in Syunik

Acting Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan received Mohammad Javad Zarif, the Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran, who arrived in Armenia on a working visit.

Pashinyan stated, “Our relations and neighborhood with Iran are of strategic significance. Since the early years of independence, the border we have secured with Iran has ensured the security of our country in many respects. I am pleased to note that there is a similar perception in Iran regarding our neighborhood and relations. Of course, our economic ties have developed over many years, and there has always been great interest in joint projects, especially in the Syunik region. We have created a free economic zone in Meghri to deepen economic relations with Iran. Due to a number of circumstances, including the coronavirus, that free economic zone has not yet gained sufficient momentum, but we are confident that it can become a very important foothold for the further development of the economic aspect of our relations.

You are aware that recently we have had some tensions at the border with Azerbaijan. Units of the Azerbaijani armed forces have unlawfully crossed the border in several areas. Our position is unequivocal that these units must withdraw from our territory. Primarily, we are making political-diplomatic efforts for this, also because our partners in the Collective Security Treaty Organization have urged us from the very first days to try to solve the issue primarily through diplomatic and political means. You are aware that military actions on our territory would mean that other countries of the Collective Security Treaty Organization would also be drawn into the conflict. Of course, our wish is also for the issue to be resolved through diplomatic and political means. Unfortunately, I must record that in this situation yesterday we had a casualty. A serviceman of the Armenian armed forces was killed due to gunfire from representatives of the Azerbaijani armed forces. Therefore, the situation is quite tense, and this meeting is a good opportunity to also familiarize ourselves with the views of the Islamic Republic of Iran regarding overcoming the situation.”

In turn, the Iranian Foreign Minister stated, “And I hope that after the end of this pandemic, we will be able to further develop our bilateral relations in the economic sphere. The Meghri free economic zone, as well as the existence of the Iran-Nakhichevan-Armenia railway, can be very effective for both countries. A good agreement has been reached. And I hope that we will be able to ensure an active presence in the Syunik region in the near future. This is the importance we attach to bilateral relations. I have had a strategic dialogue with my Armenian counterparts, and at the earliest opportunity, our representative, our negotiator will come to Armenia and continue that dialogue.

There are very important issues both in bilateral and regional contexts that need to be pursued. We wish for peace to be established in this region. And we have always emphasized respect for territorial integrity, sovereignty, and peaceful resolution of crises; the Islamic Republic of Iran values adherence to international law very highly. In this context, in order to resolve the recent escalations, three visits have been made to Armenia from our side. I was the first to visit, then our special representative-ambassador visited Armenia, and now I am visiting again.

I regret that due to this new escalation, you had a casualty. Yesterday I had a very detailed and meaningful conversation with the President of Azerbaijan. I hope that our meeting today, as well as my meeting with my esteemed counterpart, can contribute to resolving this crisis. Once again, I express my gratitude.”

During the meeting, the interlocutors discussed steps aimed at resolving the situation created at the Armenian-Azerbaijani border. The Iranian Foreign Minister emphasized his country's interest in ensuring the stability of the region and the complete preservation and assurance of Armenia's territorial integrity.

Pashinyan and Zarif also addressed several issues regarding the further development of cooperation between the two countries in the field of economy. The continuation of cooperation within the framework of the gas/electricity exchange program was emphasized, particularly the extension of the program's timeline, an increase in the volumes of gas and electricity, the implementation of joint projects in the field of infrastructure development, and the expansion of relations in education and culture.