ARMENIA SEEKS SECURITY COOPERATION WITH IRAN
Mehr News Agency
Nov 23 2008
Iran
Tehran, 23 November: Armenian National Security Council Secretary
General Artur Baghdasaryan has called for cooperating with Iran in
economic, political, defence, and security spheres.
Baghdasaryan made the remarks during his meeting with Supreme
National Security Council Secretary Sa’id Jalili in Tehran on Sunday
[23 November].
The Armenian official descried the improvement of Tehran-Yerevan
cooperation as Armenia’s strategic and permanent objective.
He said Armenia supports the Islamic Republics efforts to develop
peaceful nuclear technology. He also urged Iran to help establish
peace and stability in the Caucasus.
During the meeting, Jalili also pointed to the deep cultural and
historical bonds between Iran and Armenia and expressed satisfaction
over growing bilateral relations.
The SNSC secretary stated that the two countries have the potential
to boost cooperation in energy and transportation sectors and called
for forming a joint committee to pursue the implementation of previous
agreements signed between the two countries.
Jalili said the Caucasus is a sensitive and strategic region and
Iran’s policy is to support peace and stability in the Caucasus and
prevent further conflicts in the neighbouring region.
He said the interference of extra-regional powers in the Caucasus
conflict will fuel the crisis, stressing that the problems in the
region should be resolved by regional countries.
Increased regional cooperation is necessary
In a separate meeting with Iran’s President Mahmud Ahmadinezhad,
Baghdarsyan reiterated that Armenia is ready to increase regional
cooperation with the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Armenia wants to develop relations with Iran in all areas.
He said Iran plays an effective and constructive role in establishing
security and stability in the region.
Ahmadinezhad said Iran faces no limitation in expansion of cooperation
with Armenia in different fields.
Iran-Armenia historical and cultural ties have led to the development
of friendly and strong relations between the two countries, he added.
Expansion of cooperation between regional countries, including Iran
and Armenia, is necessary for reinforcing peace in the region and
help the regional nations, he stated.