Caucasus must not become arena for foreign powers' rivalry: Ghalibaf
Tehran - BORNA - Speaking during a meeting with visiting Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan in Tehran, Ghalibaf expressed appreciation for the solidarity demonstrated by Armenia's government and people during and after the recent conflict, noting that such neighborly support leaves an enduring positive impression.
Congratulating Armenia on holding successful elections and forming a new government and parliament, Ghalibaf reaffirmed Tehran's principled policy of expanding relations with its neighbors at both operational and strategic levels. He expressed hope that the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperation Treaty between the two nations would be finalized soon.
Addressing regional stability and transit corridors in the Caucasus, the Parliament Speaker stressed that the region urgently requires calm founded upon the preservation of official borders, warning that foreign interference invariably breeds instability.
"Experience has shown that the meddling of extra-regional powers generates insecurity," Ghalibaf said, pointing to the Persian Gulf as an example where foreign presence failed to provide safety. "These powers merely covet the resources and capacities of regional nations to pursue their own interests."
Ghalibaf also characterized the United States as untrustworthy across various domains, asserting that Washington failed militarily against Iran and achieved none of its objectives, while its failure to honor political agreements dealt another severe blow to its international credibility.
For his part, Mirzoyan emphasized the strategic nature of ties between Yerevan and Tehran, remarking that enduring partnerships are solidified during difficult times. He highlighted the immense potential for cooperation in transit, energy, and infrastructure, noting that Armenia is actively seeking to expand connectivity with its neighbors.
The Armenian top diplomat firmly assured that Yerevan will not permit its territory to be used for any hostile action against the Islamic Republic, welcoming Iran's steadfast stance on the inviolability of internationally recognized borders as critically important for Armenia.
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