Ebrahim Raisi meeting Nikol Pashinyan in Tehran

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi says peace and stability in the Caucasus is of great significance to the Islamic Republic.

Raeisi made the remarks at a joint press conference with visiting Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan in the capital, Tehran, following a meeting between the two sides.

Pashinyan, heading a high-ranking politico-economic delegation, entered Iran at the official invitation of the Iranian president.

Raisi said the Caucasus region is a part of Iran’s history, civilization and culture, adding, “We are sensitive about the Caucasus region. Security and peace in the Caucasus region is very important for Iran.”

The Iranian president added, “Our negotiations with Mr. Pashinyan came to the conclusion that regional problems should be handled by authorities in the region. Any foreign intervention creates a problem itself instead of [helping] to solve issues.”

Pashinyan, for his part, appreciated the constructive role of the Islamic Republic in the region and stressed that Iran’s efforts have always been aimed at stabilising and strengthening peace and security in the region.

Pashinyan expressed gratitude for the priority given by Raeisi’s administration to the development of ties with the neighbouring countries, saying, “Considering the interests of the two countries and the existing capacities, we should try to improve the current level of relations between the two countries.”

The Armenian premier also called for strengthening transit cooperation between the two countries to connect the Black Sea to the Persian Gulf.