Regional Problems Require Regional Solutions: Iran’s President
Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi denounced foreign interference in the region, emphasizing that regional troubles need to be resolved with homegrown solutions.
Speaking at a joint press conference with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan in Tehran on Tuesday, Raisi said they have agreed in the negotiations held in the morning that the regional problems should be settled by regional officials and states alone.
“Foreign interference (in the region) creates problems without solving any problem,” he added.
Describing the Caucasus region as the main component of Iran’s history, civilization, and culture, Raisi said the Islamic Republic is sensitive about the Caucasus and attaches great significance to its peace and security.
“The capacities of the Caucasus can ensure sustainable security and peace in the region,” he added.
Expressing hope for a leap in the relations between Iran and Armenia following an agreement reached during the Armenian premier’s visit to Tehran, Raisi said the trip has marked a milestone in the development of ties.
Pointing to the negotiations focusing on the enhancement of the economic, political, trade, and security interaction between the two neighbors, the president said the trade exchanges between the two states have risen by 43 percent in the past few months.
It is possible to reach the target of raising the value of annual trade exchanges to $3 billion, he stated.
“The good relations between the two countries will definitely result in better ties at the regional and international levels,” the president noted.
For his part, Pashinyan hailed Iran’s stances towards its Armenian community, saying the Islamic Republic acts transparently on peaceful co-existence and cooperation between the two religions.
He also highlighted Armenia and Iran’s potential for regional cooperation and appreciated Tehran’s principled approach to peace and security in the region.
Pointing to the negotiations about the promotion of trade relations and removal of obstacles to economic interaction between the two neighbors, Pashinyan said memoranda of understanding have been signed on the extension of electricity and gas swap agreements and talks have been also held for cooperation in the energy industry, agriculture, infrastructures and management of water resources.
Heading a high-ranking politico-economic delegation, Pashinyan arrived in Tehran on Tuesday morning for an official visit.