TEHRAN – In a significant diplomatic move, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Hossein Amir Abdollahian, has arrived in Yerevan, the capital of Armenia amid a fury of diplomatic activities to achieve lasting peace in the South Caucasus region.

Accompanied by a distinguished political and parliamentary delegation, Minister Amir Abdollahian embarked on this crucial mission to engage in discussions with Armenian authorities.

The warm reception at Yerevan airport, orchestrated by high-ranking officials of the Armenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, marked the beginning of the visit. Notable figures, including Vahan Kostanyan, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia, Hayk Darbinyan, the head of Second Division for Bilateral Relations in Armenian Foreign Ministry, and other esteemed officials, were present at the reception ceremony.

This diplomatic endeavor aimed to encompass a spectrum of topics, ranging from political and economic collaboration to cultural exchange. Furthermore, the discussions were to delve into pressing matters concerning the South Caucasus region, emphasizing cooperation within the framework of the 3+3 cooperation format.

Crucially, bilateral meetings between the Foreign Ministers of Iran and Armenia are poised to pave the way for constructive dialogues, fostering mutual understanding and cooperation. In a joint press conference with Ararat Mirzoyan, the Armenian Foreign Minister, Minister Amir Abdollahian expressed contentment with the visit, highlighting Iran's alignment with peace, stability, and security in Armenia.

“Iran aspires for Armenia to experience peace, stability, and security, emphasizing that sustainable peace, untainted by external interventions, and facilitated by regional guarantors, can yield significant advantages for all parties involved,” he noted.

An additional announcement unveiled during the discussions pertained to the inauguration of the Armenian Consulate in Tabriz. Amir Abdollahian conveyed Tehran's approval for this consulate, expressing optimism about the official ceremony taking place in the early weeks of the new Gregorian year.

Acknowledging Armenia's dedicated pursuit of sustainable peace, the top Iranian diplomat shed light on recent dialogues with Azerbaijani counterparts, emphasizing their joint commitment to peace. Optimism prevailed regarding the prospects of enduring peace in the early months of the new Gregorian year. “Iran, Turkey, and Russia were proposed as potential regional guarantors to foster peace in the South Caucasus between Armenia and Azerbaijan,” Amir Abdollahian added.

In a continuation of the press briefing, the Iranian Foreign Minister commended the constructive stances of the Armenian Foreign Minister during the recent meeting of 3+3 cooperation format’s Foreign Ministers in Tehran. He expressed gratitude to Armenia for opposing warfare and atrocities in Gaza and the West Bank, underscoring the need to prevent the Zionist regime from committing more crimes in the region.

Addressing the United States, Amir Abdollahian cautioned that an honorable resolution to the Gaza issue necessitates halting extensive military support for the Zionist regime. He asserted the improbability of a Zionist regime victory in Gaza, saying that the 80-day Gaza massacre that started from October 7 has caused Israel nothing but pure defeat and humiliation in front of the global community. He urged the U.S. not to persist in a path of failure and to let the people of Gaza determine their fate.

In another notable development, Minister Amir Abdollahian had a bilateral meeting with Nikol Pashinyan, the Prime Minister of Armenia, underscoring the commitment of both nations to strengthen ties and explore new collaboration opportunities. These diplomatic efforts underscore Iran's commitment to positive neighborly relationships and regional stability. As discussions unfold, the world watches, anticipating outcomes that could potentially shape the geopolitical landscape of the South Caucasus region.

The diplomatic efforts exemplify the ongoing commitment of Iran to cultivate positive relationships with its neighbors and contribute to regional stability.

MAS