Envoy: Armenia-US agreement not to impact Armenia-Iran ties

The Iranian Ambassador to Armenia, Mehdi Sobhani, has reassured that the recent strategic partnership agreement between Armenia and the United States will not have any negative effect on Armenia-Iran relations.

Speaking to reporters, Sobhani emphasized that Armenia and Iran have consistently managed to protect their bilateral ties from external pressures, including U.S. influence. He pointed out that the mutual understanding between the two countries' governments is key to maintaining their close cooperation, Caliber.Az reports via Armenian media.

"We have always managed to keep Armenian-Iranian relations unaffected by American influence and pressure. It is important to note that there is mutual understanding between us and the Armenian authorities on this issue. We fully understand that these relations develop for the benefit of both countries and peoples. This mutual understanding helps us keep the processes under control and further advance the bilateral agenda," he said.

Regarding the Armenian-American strategic partnership document signed in January, the Ambassador emphasized that the Armenian authorities had clearly stated that the document was not aimed against Armenian-Iranian relations. Sobhani also noted that the agreement signed by Yerevan and Washington was weaker than previous agreements.

"The Armenian authorities have stated that they will not take any actions that could harm Armenian-Iranian relations, which have never depended on third parties or factors," he emphasized.

In a related development, Sobhani revealed that Armenia and Iran are working on a comprehensive strategic partnership document, which will further enhance bilateral relations. The document, which will be signed by the leaders of both countries, is expected to be long-term and may include significant projects.

“We are working with Armenia on an expanded, comprehensive strategic document that will be signed by the leaders of both countries. This document will be comprehensive and long-term, and it may include long-term projects,” he noted.

According to the Iranian diplomat, "scientific and cultural projects between Armenia and Iran are an inseparable part of the relations between the two countries."

“We have many joint projects, and we consider them an asset in our relations. Last year, a memorandum of cooperation was signed between our countries in the fields of science, education, and culture, and the necessary conditions for the development of cultural relations were created,” the diplomat said. 

By Vugar Khalilov