Iran and Armenia Share Common Concerns in National Security: Zuhuri

The Islamic Republic of Iran and the Republic of Armenia share common interests and concerns in the field of national security. This was stated by Abbas Badakhshan Zuhuri, the Iranian Ambassador to Armenia, in response to questions from the "Orbelian" analytical center under the Armenian Prime Minister's Office during the "Questions to the Ambassador" initiative.

"The agencies responsible for national security in both countries closely cooperate with each other. This is the path that must be continued at various levels. Another path that must be pursued is the regularization of serious political consultations between the foreign ministries and strategic dialogues between the two countries in the national security sector," the ambassador said.

Addressing the serious security threats worldwide and in the region, the ambassador highlighted that there is now a greater awareness than ever of the importance of bilateral cooperation and a strong will in both countries to expand it. "It is necessary to strive to maintain this situation. Another important point is to draw attention to the fact that profound and serious developments are taking place at the international and regional levels, which can create unexpected opportunities and challenges. Therefore, I consider the continuity of communication and consensus between the authorities and expert circles of the two countries to be very important," he emphasized.

Zuhuri noted that especially expert and professional communications can help expand understanding, accurately anticipate challenges, and plan effectively to leverage opportunities.

The ambassador also discussed Azerbaijan's closure of the Lachin corridor and its consequent blockade of 120,000 Armenian residents of Artsakh, which he described as another gross violation of the trilateral declaration of November 9, 2020. Presenting Tehran's position on this matter, Zuhuri reiterated that Tehran’s consistent counsel has been for both parties to adhere to the text and spirit of the November 9 declaration and the agreements and commitments that followed.

"Within the framework of international law, countries also have clear obligations, one of which is to maintain the rights and security of the region's inhabitants. We say that the issue of the rights and security of the residents of the mentioned area is a complex and sensitive issue," he stated.

The Iranian ambassador also referred to the North-South highway being constructed in Armenia. "We also consider the full implementation of this project on the territory of the Republic of Armenia to be very important, and Iranian companies are ready to actively participate in its realization. The implementation of this project will contribute to the activation of the transit corridor from the Persian Gulf to the Black Sea through Iran and Armenia, which has also attracted the interest of other countries," he noted.

The ambassador emphasized that the North-South project is a significant initiative both economically and operationally, and the prospects for the project's implementation have improved significantly. Discussing the past year's bilateral cooperation between Armenia and Iran, the ambassador expressed satisfaction and noted that there has been growth and development in relations across various sectors.

He recalled that one of the important events last year was the opening of the Iranian Consulate General in Kapan, along with cooperation in infrastructure development between the two countries. Last year, trade turnover between the two countries also increased by over forty percent, exceeding 700 million dollars. The growth in trade turnover has continued into the early months of this year.

The ambassador emphasized that without the willingness and cooperation of both sides, it would not have been possible to advance the work. Zuhuri pointed out that this does not mean that the situation could not have been better or that there are no obstacles and issues. In the ambassador’s view, the growth in awareness of each other's capabilities and potentials, reduction of bureaucratic obstacles, and acceleration and facilitation of cooperation, especially focusing on main issues, are of primary importance and can contribute to the further development of relations.