Iran's defense minister to Armenian counterpart: We are opposed to any change of international and geopolitical borders in region

Pars Today- The minister of defense and logistics of the armed forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran, in a meeting with his Armenian counterpart, called keeping territorial integrity and stability of regional borders as the unchangeable policy of Iran and said, "The common border of Iran and Armenia is the historical connecting way of the two nations and Tehran will not allow any transgression on this border."

According to Pars Today, quoting from IRNA, Iran's Defense Minister, Brigadier General Aziz Nasirzadeh, in a meeting on Tuesday in Yerevan with his Armenian counterpart, Soren Papikian, warned against the presence of trans-regional powers in the Caucasus and added, "The regional security should be planned by the regional countries as the intervention of foreigners will only cause further instability." 

The Iranian defense minister, referring to the remarks of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution in his meeting with the Armenian prime minister, made it clear, "Iran underlines the expansion of relations with Armenia and cooperation will continue on the basis of mutual interests with no dependence on the pressures of foreign powers."

Brigadier General Nasirzadeh, underscoring the strategic significance of the two countries' relations, said, "Armenia enjoys special status in Iran's neighborly ties and the Tehran-Yerevan ties have been founded on solid historical and cultural bases and sustainable peace in the Caucasus will bring about broad chances for regional development."

General Nasirzadeh, pointing to the peaceful coexistence of Muslims and Armenians in Iran, described it as a successful role model for interaction of the divine religions and added, "The Islamic Republic of Iran's principled policy is to strengthen relations with all neighbors, especially Armenia, and no obstacle can hinder this path."

The Iranian defense minister, also, expressed support for the ongoing peace talks between Armenia and the Republic of Azerbaijan, and stressed, "The Islamic Republic of Iran backs the inking of peace conventions and is ready for acceleration of this process."

In the end of this meeting, the two defense ministries signed a memorandum of cooperation.  

RM/UR