Yerevan Appreciates Iran's Position Amid Baku's Statements: Mirzoyan

Ararat Mirzoyan, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia, made remarks during a joint press conference with Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian.

"Dear Mr. Amir-Abdollahian, Dear colleagues, Ladies and gentlemen, First of all, I would like to express my gratitude to the Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Mr. Amir-Abdollahian, my colleague and good friend, for the invitation, warm reception, and effective discussions and negotiations.

In the atmosphere of friendship and mutual trust, we expressed satisfaction with the high level of Armenian-Iranian relations and the regularity of high-level contacts during our discussions with Minister Amir-Abdollahian. We emphasized that our partnership is based on centuries of brotherhood and both sides expressed willingness to deepen our strategic partnership in all directions.

We thoroughly discussed regional developments. Naturally, I addressed the recent Azerbaijani-Turkish aggression against Nagorno-Karabakh and its consequences in detail. We also noted that mercenary terrorists from various hot spots participated in this aggression.

I pointed out that numerous humanitarian issues remained post-war. Although, from the moment of the cessation of hostilities, Azerbaijan has committed to release all Armenian prisoners of war and civilian hostages, they are still being held in Baku. Their immediate release and repatriation must take place.

I also mentioned that we have agreed that Armenia and Azerbaijan should initiate discussions under the mediation of Russia regarding the opening of regional communications, but there are still issues between the parties. Armenia has declared and continues to declare that we are open to talks about opening communications, whereas Azerbaijan attempts to misinterpret this, speaking of the so-called 'Zangezur corridor,' about which there has been no word or agreement.

Such issues, as well as Azerbaijan's encroachments on Armenia's sovereign territory, jeopardize our efforts aimed at stability and security in the region. In this regard, we highly appreciate Iran's position regarding Armenia's territorial integrity and inviolability of borders.

I also informed my colleague that just days ago, in New York, the peaceful process within the framework of the OSCE Minsk Group's co-chairmanship has been reinitiated. Taking this opportunity, I would like to once again reaffirm Armenia's readiness to continue a comprehensive process of peaceful settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh issue under the auspices of the OSCE Minsk Group, based on their mandate, well-known principles, and elements.

Certainly, one of the important topics of our meeting today was also the recent challenges of transit transportation and ways to overcome them. I informed the esteemed Minister about the details regarding road construction as well as the existing challenges. I mentioned that the bypass road, which has been discussed for so long, is nearly completed.

Undoubtedly, we also discussed the continuation, acceleration, and completion of our large joint economic projects. I want to reiterate that, as Mr. Minister also assured, the political leaderships of both countries are determined to fully and collaboratively develop and deepen our relations. Once again, thank you for the invitation, dear Mr. Minister, and I look forward to seeing you in Yerevan."