Why it matters:
As neighbors, Iran and Armenia have strong political, cultural, and economic ties. Armenia condemned the recent Israeli attacks on Iran.
The big picture:
Iranian First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref left for Armenia on Monday to attend the third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries.
In remarks delivered Monday evening on the sidelines of the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries, Aref met with Armenian President Vahakhan Khachaturian to underscore the strategic importance of expanding bilateral cooperation in sectors including infrastructure, energy, transit, and artificial intelligence.
What they're saying:
“Armenia occupies a special place in Iran’s foreign policy, rooted in firm historical, cultural, and civilizational ties,” Aref said.
He cited agreements forged during recent visits and participation in the Eurasian Economic Union Summit, noting progress on initiatives spanning transportation, agriculture, education, and people-to-people exchanges. Aref said enhanced trade volume is expected following the implementation of the free trade agreement between Iran and the Eurasian Economic Union.
Highlighting Iran’s technological edge, Aref emphasized the potential role of Iranian firms in Armenian infrastructure projects, including dam construction, schools, and residential settlements.
“Iran ranks fifth globally in dam engineering capabilities,” he stated.
Both officials expressed a shared commitment to peace and stability in the South Caucasus, with Aref reiterating Iran’s longstanding call for conflict resolution via diplomacy, free from foreign interference.
On regional integration, Aref reaffirmed Iran’s principle of welcoming friendly nations into key organizations:
“Iran supports Armenia’s accession to the SCO, and we are confident that Dr. Pezeshkian’s upcoming visit will usher in a new chapter in bilateral relations.”
Khachaturian, for his part, praised the contributions of Iranian scientists in global tech exhibitions, welcomed continued cooperation, and condemned recent Israeli aggression against Iran. He stressed that all conflicts should be resolved peacefully and expressed eagerness for future diplomatic engagements with Tehran.
Hossein Amiri - Mojtaba Darabi
