Iranian official calls for stronger ties with Armenia, inking strategic deal

An Iranian top official has called for stronger ties with Armenia and urged to consider the development of a strategic partnership agreement.

Majid Takht-Ravanchi, Iran’s First Deputy Foreign Minister, in an exclusive interview with Region Monitor, said that Armenia and Iran have great potential for development of their friendly ties.

He described the two countries as “good neighbors” with historically good relations.

“And we believe that there is great potential to be used by the two countries to improve the bilateral ties. We believe there is a lot in the trade sector that could be beneficial for both sides in terms of expanding economic relations. We believe there is a lot that can be done in culture, both in Yerevan and Tehran, as well as other cities in the two countries. Cooperation could include exchanges between universities, student exchange programs, academic exchange programs. In addition, we believe there are sectors that must be further explored, such as transport links that could connect the two countries with their neighbors. In my opinion there is great potential that can be utilized,” the Iranian deputy FM said, adding that cooperation in tourism must also be considered.

He emphasized that numerous sectors must be explored to further develop and enhance the good relationship.

“We see that both parties are interested and there have been contacts between officials of both countries, between the foreign ministers and presidents. The high-ranking officials of the two nations are interested in exchanging their views on various occasions. Therefore, everything is ready for the development of bilateral relations, and not only bilaterally, we believe that we can have stronger cooperation in the international arena too as part of the UN and other international forums. We believe that there are many possibilities that must be explored, Iran and Armenia have shown their determination to develop relations in various areas,” the Iranian official said.

Asked whether a document on strategic relations could be signed between the two countries, the Iranian deputy FM said ,” In my opinion, why not? We believe that we must focus our efforts in this direction, and I think there is such a trend, both sides have shown interest for advancing in the direction of such a document. I think we must work on a good document that could be a better foundation for both sides to have strategic relations. Perhaps it would take time to prepare a good document, but I believe that as long as both parties display interest, we must work harder to achieve that goal.”