TEHRAN – Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian has commented on Iran’s recent move to open a consulate in southern Armenia, saying the consulate is intended to bolster Iran-Armenia relations.

In remarks to ICANA, Amir Abdollahian considered the establishment and start of activities of the first Consul General of Iran in Kapan, Armenia, in line with the view of the Raisi administration on economic issues and with the aim of strengthening the North-South transit route and expanding and deepening the relations between Iran and Armenia.

“This move, which will help strengthen the North-South transit route, was carried out with the aim of developing and strengthening cooperation between the two countries, especially in the economic field, and the Iranian Consulate has started its activities in Kapan,” Amir Abdollahian said.

He added, “We will witness the ever-increasing expansion and deepening of relations between Iran and Armenia with the establishment of the first consulate in Kapan.”

Morteza Abedin Varamin, the first Consul General of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Kapan, has recently presented his appointment order to Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan in a ceremony attended by Iran's Ambassador to Armenia.

The Armenian foreign minister has described Iran's decision to establish a consulate general in Kapan as an objective manifestation of Iran's efforts to expand relations with the Republic of Armenia and to try to maintain peace and stability in the region. He emphasized the readiness of the Armenian government to fully support the successful activity of the Iranian Consulate General in Kapan.

The foreign ministers of Iran and Armenia held a meeting on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York.

In this meeting, Amir Abdollahian welcomed periodical consultations between the two countries and reiterated follow up steps on bilateral agreements in different cultural, political, economic and educational spheres.

The top Iranian diplomat stated that Tehran’s stance regarding the developments in Caucasus is rejecting any change in borders and the geopolitical map of the region, adding that the Islamic Republic of Iran strongly believes disputes between countries should be resolved through political dialog and negotiations in the region.

Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan also talked about the historical standing of Iran in the developments of the Caucasus region and welcomed growing bilateral cooperation with Iran.

He added that quick growth in ties between Tehran and Yerevan will help strengthen cooperation and solidarity between the two countries and in the region.