Armenian PM Terms Iran as Vanguard of Peace, Stability in the Region
"Iran has always been a vanguard of peace and stability in the region with its wise and progressive stances," Markaryan said during a meeting with visiting Iranian Foreign Minister Kamal Kharrazi.
The Armenian prime minister said that Iran's logical stand on the Iraqi issue can be sided as an example, IRNA said.
He, moreover, stressed the need to expand the two countries' bilateral cooperation, saying exchange visits between the two countries' high-ranking officials would be an excellent means of bolstering mutual relations.
"We should create new conditions for expansion of bilateral economic and political ties," he stressed.
Kharrazi, for his part, said the Islamic Republic has always worked to maintain stability in the country and promote peace and stability in the region as well.
Iran has never attacked any of its neighbors but has withstood incursions, Kharrazi said, adding that its victories against its enemies fill a golden page in the history of the country.
"Iran's role in the region and currently in the Iraqi crisis is anchored on its policy of promoting peace, stability and security in this part of the world and this principled policy will be pursued vigorously," Kharrazi said. He expressed satisfaction over the recent elections in Armenia and the establishment of a new government in that country, saying "Armenia's stability is very important for Iran."
Kharrazi stressed faster implementation of economic projects between the two countries and expressed hope the problem of safe passage would be removed in the near future.
He urged the two sides to make use of their commonalties to achieve greater economic progress, political and economic security as well as convergence in the Caucasus region.
The Iranian foreign minister submitted Vice President Mohammadreza Aref's invitation for Markaryan to visit Tehran.
Kamal Kharrazi arrived in Yerevan at the head of a delegation Tuesday night on the third leg of a tour of the Caucasus which has already taken him to Azerbaijan and Georgia.