Iran and Armenia's Interests Are Becoming More Intertwined: Abbas Araqchi

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Seyed Abbas Araqchi, has prepared an article in anticipation of President Masoud Pezeshkian's visit to the Republic of Armenia, addressing the cultural commonalities and historical past of the two nations. The article emphasizes that, amid global uncertainty and regional developments, the interests of Iran and Armenia are increasingly intertwined.

"As His Excellency Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian, the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, is preparing for an official visit to Armenia, let us recall the profound words of the great Armenian writer-poet Hovhannes Tumanyan, implying that friendship resembles a deeply rooted tree; the more you water it, the more fruitful and robust it will become. This beautiful metaphor perfectly describes the steadfast connection between our peoples, relationships nurtured through centuries of cultural exchange, mutual respect, and shared experiences.

Joint celebrations between the two nations, such as Mehregan, Navasard, and Vardavar, as well as the thriving Armenian community in Iran that has prospered for generations, and, of course, the interconnected history of Iran and Armenia, all represent rich manifestations of coexistence.

The Islamic Republic of Iran was among the first countries to recognize Armenia's independence in 1991, a decision that reflects the depth of our relations and our commitment to standing by each other during significant historical moments. The solidarity between Iran and Armenia continues today through Iran's flourishing Armenian community. Iranian Armenians are the largest religious minority in the country and are actively involved in all sectors of Iranian civic life, from representation in parliament to the preservation of culture through their churches and institutions, underscoring Iran's respect for religious diversity.

Our partnership in the economic sphere also reflects this mutually beneficial reality. The fact that Iran has remained one of Armenia's most important trading partners, even amid unjust unilateral sanctions, indicates that both countries are reliable partners for each other. The complementarity of our economies presents countless opportunities for growth and development that can bring prosperity to both our peoples.

The geopolitical outlook of our region further emphasizes the strategic importance of our relations. Amid global uncertainty and regional developments, the interests of Iran and Armenia are becoming increasingly intertwined. As natural allies, our shared border is not only a geographical reality but also a bridge for cooperation in energy, transportation, human connections, and regional security.

Iran remains steadfast in supporting peace and stability in the South Caucasus, understanding that the security, welfare, and well-being of Armenia is what the Islamic Republic of Iran strives for, contributing to broader stability in our neighborhood.

Iran views itself as obligated to support the establishment of peace and stability in the region, highlighting that establishing security and sustainable peace, as well as the implementation of any regional projects, relies on respecting the territorial integrity, national sovereignty, and rights of all countries, along with the inviolability of international borders and the exclusion of interference by extraterritorial countries and forces in any form or under any name.

Nonetheless, we fully recognize the enormous and still untapped potential before us; our current volume of trade is only a small part of what can be achieved through advanced communication projects, such as the North-South International Transport Corridor (INSTC). This crucial international corridor, which has thirteen member countries, connects Iran's southern ports with Central Asia, the Caucasus, Afghanistan, and Eastern European countries, reducing transportation costs by 30 percent and cutting transit time in half. Member countries of this corridor have made effective steps toward realizing the project through regular consultations and have achieved significant progress, notably in the accelerated construction of the corridor's railway network and the development of the Chabahar ocean port. These efforts will play a vital role in increasing regional security and economic prosperity.

The guarantee of our partnership is that, relying on strong historical ties, we focus on future possibilities. The close cultural ties of our peoples, particularly expressed in the respectful attitude of Iranians toward their Armenian compatriots, lay a concrete foundation from which we can build deeper political, economic, and technological collaboration.

It is in this context that President Pezeshkian's visit gains special importance. This visit not only marks yet another diplomatic meeting but also reaffirms our mutual commitment to opening new horizons in our relations. Our historical ties, geographic proximity, complementary economies, and coinciding regional interests together provide powerful momentum for strengthening cooperation.

Looking to the future, we see limitless possibilities, ranging from joint infrastructure projects that physically connect our peoples to academic exchanges that connect our minds, as well as energy partnerships that stimulate our development and cultural initiatives that cherish our shared heritage—all of which create the necessary elements for a transformative partnership. In this process, historical goodwill, mutual trust, tangible common interests, and, most importantly, the political will of both capitals will be the main pillars for further strengthening our relations.

The path ahead of us is clear. Iran, relying on our shared historical past and the horizons of our common future, is ready to cooperate with Armenia to write the next chapter of long-lasting friendship—a chapter that will undoubtedly bring greater prosperity and security to both our peoples and the region beyond its borders. The future of Iran-Armenia relations is very bright, and no one can deviate it from its course."