Iran Opposed to Presence of Foreign Fighters in Region
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif in a meeting with his Armenian counterpart slammed the presence of terrorists and foreign fighters in the region.
During the meeting with Ara Aivazian, held in Yerevan on Wednesday, Zarif denounced the presence of foreign fighters in the region as a common concern for Iran and Armenia.
Highlighting the cordial relations between the two countries, Zarif said Iran and Armenia enjoy age-old civilizations and a long history.
He also described Armenia as an important neighbor for Iran, saying Tehran-Yerevan relations are a symbol of interaction and dialogue between the followers of two faiths.
Iran’s foreign minister underscored the significance of territorial integrity, independence and national sovereignty of all countries in the region, including Armenia.
It is necessary to observe the rights of all ethnic groups in the region, he added, saying Armenia’s territorial integrity is Iran’s red line.
Zarif described as a brave move the decisions by the Armenian government and Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan to move towards the future, according to the Foreign Ministry’s website.
He voiced regret over the human losses inflicted during the recent conflict in the region and said Iran stands ready to offer whatever assistance and make any efforts in that regard.
The top Iranian diplomat expressed hope the humanitarian issues caused by the conflict will be resolved as soon as possible.
He said Tehran is ready to work with Yerevan and other neighbors in that regard and to help boost economic development in the region by tapping into the opportunity created and by taking the common interests of regional countries into account.
The top Armenian diplomat, in turn, emphasized the significance of close political, economic and trade ties with Iran, describing his meeting with Zarif as a good opportunity to exchange views on the prospects of mutual cooperation.
Aivazian touched upon the importance of regional stability and security, and highlighted Iran’s key role in the region.
Among other issues on the agenda of the talks were mutual banking relations as well as issues pertaining to transportation, Iran’s exports and the environment of the Aras river.
