Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif discussed regional and international issues and ways of broadening mutual interactions with his Armenian counterpart Edward Nalbandian.
In a meeting held in Tehran on Sunday, Zarif hoped negotiations between Iran and Armenia can help develop mutual ties, as well as regional peace and prosperity, IRNA reported.
“Cooperation between the two countries can be expanded in international forums. We recommend both parties involved in the Karabakh conflict to remain patient. To establish peace and safety in the region, we are prepared to exert all efforts in our power,” he said.
“Though business transactions have now a higher rate of dynamism, they are still short of the required level.”
Zarif said that with the expansion of economic ties, the entire region will enjoy its benefits and prosper.
Nalbandian said in the meeting the relationship between the two countries is based on continuous friendship and understanding.
“In the past three decades, we have had cooperation in various sectors. We can accelerate our joint efforts in taking advantage of the new opportunities offered for development and expansion of our interactions in the areas of energy and economy,” he said.
“We appreciate Iran’s invitation of Karabakh parties to peaceful methods. As a big country playing a significant role in regional equations, Iran cannot be unaware of current events. We hope other countries in Minsk Group, including Iran, will help us establish and maintain peace.”
Nalbandian is also scheduled to hold separate meetings with President Hassan Rouhani and Majlis Speaker Ali Larijani.
The Armenian foreign minister arrived in Tehran at the formal invitation of Zarif. A major purpose of his visit was to endorse an agreement on mutual visa exemption, whose draft was approved earlier on Thursday by the Armenian government.
Once signed, the visa-waiver agreement will allow both Iranian and Armenian citizens to stay for a maximum of 90 days. The agreement is expected to facilitate mutual interactions in various areas.
