Armenia’s deputy foreign minister says the relations between Tehran and Yerevan are of strategic importance to his country and will never be the subject of any geopolitical bargain.
Vahan Kostanyan made the remarks in an exclusive interview with IRNA, during which he said the government and people of Armenia have deep respect for the Leader, government, and people of Iran.
“We value these relations, which have a history of thousands of years, and we must pass them on even stronger and more resilient to future generations,” he said.
The following is the full transcript of the interview:
Q: Good afternoon, Mr. Deputy Foreign Minister. Thank you very much for this opportunity and for the time you have given us during your very important visit to Tehran. To begin, I would like to ask you about bilateral relations and your assessment of the current state of relations between Iran and Armenia, as well as the potential for their development and expansion.
A: Since Armenia’s independence, Iran and Armenia have interacted as two nations with very good, indeed exceptional, relations. Since 1991, our bilateral ties have been steadily growing. Today, the relations between our two countries, our leaders, and our governments are very special and of great importance to us. I believe these relations are strategic in nature, and I am confident that the upcoming visit of President Pezeshkian to Yerevan will elevate them to an even higher level.
These relations encompass a wide range of areas of cooperation, from politics to the economy. In recent years, we have achieved significant results in trade and have set ambitious targets between our governments: first, to reach $1 billion in trade turnover, and then to strive for $3 billion. Armenia’s relations with Iran are truly unique, and we view them as going beyond just energy or politics, because having relations with a good neighbor is a priority for us. This priority is recorded in our government’s program for 2021–2026, and I can say that the policies and benchmarks set in the government’s action plan are being successfully implemented.
Q: As you know, following the agreement between Yerevan and Baku signed in Washington, this issue topped the news and media coverage in Iran. I would like to ask about this topic: In your view, what impact will this agreement have on regional security and stability?
A: Thank you for your question. I believe this historic development made headlines not only in Iran but also globally. It is important for us to hear the feedback and opinions of brotherly countries, especially Iran. We appreciate the balanced statement by the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as the subsequent remarks by Iran’s foreign minister and president. I believe we are now entering a new era in Armenia–Azerbaijan relations, one in which the two countries and their leaders have openly affirmed their commitment to peace. This will have a positive impact not only on our bilateral relations but also on regional dynamics, from politics to economics.
One of our key agreements with Azerbaijan is the reopening of communication routes in the region, with full mutual respect for the sovereignty, jurisdiction, and territorial integrity of countries. In practice, this will open new doors for railway cooperation between Armenia and Iran, including through the Nakhchivan–Jolfa railway line, which will mean Iran’s access to Armenia and, ultimately, to the Black Sea.
Q: How do you see Iran’s place in this equation? And what is Yerevan’s view on the role of regional mechanisms such as the 3+3 format in moving forward?
A: Regarding Iran’s role, especially within the framework of the “3+3” regional mechanism proposed by Iran, I must say that Armenia has participated since the first meeting of this platform—initially at the deputy minister level and later at the ministerial level. We believe this dialogue format can provide a suitable platform for discussing regional projects, especially connectivity projects. The recent developments between Armenia and Azerbaijan, and the principled agreement to reopen regional communication routes, have opened a new chapter for dialogue, including within the “3+3” format. According to the latest ministerial statement, the next meeting should be held in either Yerevan or Baku, and we also have in mind bilateral consultations with the Azerbaijani side.
Q: Given Washington’s role in this agreement, what is Yerevan’s position on the presence of the United States or any third party in the region? And what guarantees are there that the United States will not play a negative role against regional countries?
A: Regarding Tehran’s concerns about this agreement and the role of the United States, I must say this has been one of the main topics of our discussions yesterday and today. I have come here with the message that Armenia has taken Iran’s considerations into account and that these sensitivities were factored into the preliminary negotiations about the connectivity project known as the “Trump” project. Some details of this project have already been determined and agreed upon, which I have shared with the Iranian side, and I am ready to announce them publicly as well. It is planned that a company will be registered in Armenia, with shares divided between Armenia and the United States, but this does not mean a US security presence in the region. We understand that this has been one of the key concerns of the Iranian side, and I believe this concern has been addressed.
For us, the uninterrupted and obstacle-free functioning of the Iran–Armenia border and its crossings for the movement of goods and passengers is of strategic importance, and we do not expect any obstacles in this regard. The opening of communication routes, including three new projects, will be carried out on the basis of the sovereignty and jurisdiction of countries, which in itself is another guarantee.
Q: Does Armenia not share the concern that the US presence in this region could lead to a power struggle between regional powers and Washington?
A: Our general position on the opening of communication routes has been outlined in the Armenian Prime Minister’s “Crossroads of Peace” initiative. We believe this opening should not lead to new geopolitical restrictions but should serve as a confidence-building measure among geopolitical powers. In practice, US shares in the company registered in Armenia will benefit the United States, Iran will benefit from access to the Black Sea, and we will be able to connect to Russia via Azerbaijan’s railway line. We hope that this mutual economic interdependence will serve as a bridge for cooperation rather than an obstacle to it.
Q: I received part of the answer to my next question in your earlier responses, but given the importance of the matter, I would like to ask it separately: Is Tehran’s concern, and the importance it attaches to its short but significant and historic border with Armenia, taken into account in Yerevan’s negotiations?
A: One of Tehran’s main concerns is the historic Iran–Armenia border. We cherish this border and have been grateful for Iran’s political support on this matter in recent years. This position holds the same importance for us as it does for Iran, and it will not change under any circumstances. We have given the necessary assurances to the Iranian side.
At present, we are making extensive preparations to host President Pezeshkian in Yerevan. I believe this historic and long-awaited visit will further strengthen the political alignment of our two countries and open new avenues for economic cooperation.
Q: Can you tell us how many cooperation documents will be signed during this visit?
A: We expect important documents to be signed between the two countries, although we are keeping some details confidential for now.
Q: Given that we are on the eve of President Pezeshkian’s visit to Armenia, I would like to ask you to send a message to the people of Iran.
A: The government and people of Armenia have deep respect for the leader, government, and people of Iran. The relations between our two countries are of strategic importance to us and will never be the subject of any geopolitical bargain. We value these relations, which have a history of thousands of years, and we must pass them on even stronger and more resilient to future generations. This is the belief and message of my government. Thank you.