Meeting between Armenian and Iranian FMs
Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian visited Armenia for an official and bilateral meeting at the invitation of his Armenian counterpart, the Press Office of the Iranian Foreign Ministry reported on October 22.
Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan held two rounds of talks with the top Iranian diplomat. They discussed the most important issues related to bilateral ties between Tehran and Yerevan in different areas and major regional developments.
Amir-Abdollahian pointed to the age-old relations between Iran and Armenia and stressed the significance of bolstering, promoting, and redefining ties in different spheres, particularly in economic and transit cooperation. The Iranian Foreign Minister also spoke about trade ties and said the two sides could increase the volume of commercial exchanges from the current 700 million dollars to 1 billion dollars, given their existing potential. Iranian Foreign Minister underlined the need for efforts by Iran and Armenia, primarily through benefiting from the capacities of the private sectors, to implement agreements on different areas such as transportation, energy, and agriculture as well as the export of technical engineering services. The Iranian diplomat said the opening of the Iranian Consulate General in Kapan, aimed at facilitating consular affairs, shows the depth of cooperation between Tehran and Yerevan. Amir-Abdollahian expressed hope that opening the Iranian Consulate General would speed up the expansion of bilateral cooperation.
Amir-Abdollahian also spoke about regional issues. He once again underscored the principled policy of the Islamic Republic to clearly oppose any changes to the international borders across the region.
Ararat Mirzoyan, for his part, outlined the latest developments in the region, appreciating Iran's stance on regional issues. Referring to the economic cooperation between Iran and Armenia, Mirzoyan underlined the need to continue and promote this cooperation. He described joint work in the field of transit along the North-South Corridor as important. The Armenian side reaffirmed Yerevan's readiness to assist in this regard.
Opening of the Iranian Consulate in Kapan
On October 21, Ararat Mirzoyan and Hossein Amir-Abdollahian participated in the opening ceremony of the Consulate General of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Kapan, the Press Office of the Armenian Foreign Ministry reported. Minister Mirzoyan delivered remarks, which he particularly noted: "Today is remarkable in the history of Armenian-Iranian friendly relations. I am confident that the establishment and effective operation of the Consulate General of Iran will give a new quality to the special relations between the two countries, promote bilateral cooperation, and contribute to the development of Armenian-Iranian ties."
"I want to assure you that the decision of the Iranian authorities to open a Consulate General in the Syunik region - the pillar of our country, is deeply acknowledged and highly appreciated in Armenia. I would like to reiterate the intention of the Armenian side to establish a Consulate General in Tabriz," he added.
"The Islamic Republic of Iran has always been and remains an important partner for the Republic of Armenia. Our cooperation includes a comprehensive political agenda, as well as strong ties in the fields of trade, energy, transport, science and education, tourism, and culture, which will hopefully further deepen and receive a qualitative and practical new impetus due to the activities of the Consulate General opening today," Mirzoyan stated.
Meeting with Nikol Pashinyan
On October 22, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan received Amir Abdollahian and the delegation led by him. The interlocutors discussed issues related to the agenda of bilateral relations, referred to economic cooperation. Both sides emphasized the full realization of the existing potential in the field of trade. The sides exchanged views on regional developments and the security environment. The Prime Minister emphasized the clear assessments of the Iranian side and the close bilateral cooperation in the created situation.
