Iran's Foreign Minister: 'We have come to Armenia to set our roadmap for both countries.'

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan received Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and his delegation today.

Welcoming the Iranian foreign minister, Nikol Pashinyan stated, "Dear Minister, esteemed colleagues, I welcome you all to the Republic of Armenia. First, I would like to congratulate both you and us on the occasion of the opening of the Iranian Consulate General in Kapan, and I am also glad that this opening took place under such circumstances. I believe this step mutually expresses the intentions of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Republic of Armenia in terms of the development of relations. Of course, our bilateral agenda is very rich, but I also believe that we should place that agenda within a longer-term planning framework. Clearly, we are currently very focused and unfortunately forced to concentrate on the resolution of daily operational issues; however, on the other hand, I am convinced that our attitude towards those issues will be more practical if we view everything from a long-term perspective. I am pleased that our conversation with President Raisi seems to be increasingly adopting this logic. Once again, I welcome you all."

In his remarks, the Iranian foreign minister said, "In the name of God, thank you very much. You mentioned very important circumstances. Your meeting with Mr. Raisi in New York contained very important issues as well as agreements. Allow me to convey my country's president's warm greetings to you. Mr. Raisi has asked me to convey his invitation for you to visit Tehran once again. Honorable Mr. Pashinyan, we value our relations with our neighboring countries, especially with the Republic of Armenia. Today, my colleagues and I have come to Armenia to set a long-term roadmap for both countries with Mr. Ararat Mirzoyan."

The interlocutors discussed issues related to the bilateral relations agenda and addressed economic cooperation. The full realization of the existing potential in the field of trade was highlighted by both sides. They exchanged views on regional developments and the security environment. The prime minister emphasized the Iranian side's clear assessments and the importance of close cooperation in the current situation. Nikol Pashinyan requested to convey his warm greetings and best wishes to the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ebrahim Raisi.