TEHRAN- Iran’s foreign minister has advocated for deeper ties with Armenia, stating that more collaboration between the two countries would be advantageous for the security, stability, and peace of the region.

Hossein Amir Abdollahian and Vahan Kostanian, the deputy foreign minister of Armenia, discussed plans to deepen ties between their two countries in a variety of areas at a meeting on Saturday in Tehran. 

Highlighting the significance of collaborative efforts to fortify and foster cooperation in the political, economic, commercial, scientific, and cultural domains, Amir Abdollahian made reference to his December visit to Yerevan and his fruitful conversations with the prime minister and foreign minister of Armenia. 

Late in December, Amir Abdollahian met with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan in Yerevan and discussed mutual relations and the latest regional issues, particularly the dispute between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the status of Karabakh region.

He also said that deepening friendly ties with Armenia in all spheres will benefit both nations and promote regional peace, stability, and long-term security free from outside intervention. 

Kostanian, for his part, greeted the top Iranian diplomat on behalf of the foreign minister of Armenia. 

Additionally, he stated that Armenia views closer ties with Iran as highly significant and advantageous for the stability and security of the whole region. 

As part of the latest round of political meetings between the two nations, the deputy foreign minister of Armenia also gave a report on his discussions with his Iranian counterpart, characterizing the outcomes as positive. 

Iran, Qatar call for ceasefire in Gaza Strip 

The political attempts to resolve the Gaza issue and put an end to Israel’s genocidal crimes in Palestine were deliberated by the foreign ministers of Iran and Qatar. 

Amir Abdollahian and his Qatari counterpart Sheikh Mohammad bin Abdul Rahman Al Thani spoke over the phone on Saturday night, discussing current bilateral matters as well as regional events, such as the Gaza conflict. 

The two senior diplomats emphasized the necessity of maintaining the positive trend in relations and carrying out the bilateral agreements. 

Additionally, they discussed the most recent events in Gaza as well as the proposals made to halt the slaughter in the enclave.

They also emphasized the necessity of stepping up political assiduity and efforts in that direction. 

At least 31,000 Palestinians have been killed and 72,524 injured in Israeli attacks on Gaza since October 7.