Amir Abdollahian at opening ceremony of Consulate General in Kapan:  Iran perceives Armenia`s and region`s security as its own security

ArmInfo. On October 21, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan and Foreign Minister of Iran Hossein Amir Abdollahian participated in the opening  ceremony of the Consulate General of the Islamic Republic of Iran in  Kapan. 

As the press service of the RA MFA reports, Minister Mirzoyan  delivered remarks, where he particularly noted:  "Honourable Minister  of the Islamic Republic of Iran Hossein Amir Abdollahian Dear  colleagues and attendees, Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am delighted to welcome my colleague Hossein Amir Abdollahian, the  Foreign Minister of the friendly and neighbouring Islamic Republic of  Iran and his delegation in the city of Kapan, the centre of the  Syunik region of the Republic of Armenia, on the occasion of the  official ceremony of opening the Consulate General of Iran.  Today is  remarkable in the history of Armenian-Iranian friendly relations. I  am confident that the establishment and effective operation of the  Consulate General of Iran will give a new quality to the special  relations between the two countries, will promote bilateral  cooperation and will contribute to the development of  Armenian-Iranian ties.  Notably, this milestone event takes place on  the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations  between the Republic of Armenia and the Islamic Republic of Iran.   Over the past thirty years our journey has been marked by our sincere  aspiration to develop strategic relationships in the spirit of  brotherhood and close partnership.  I am confident that, henceforth,  the necessary efforts will be made to further deepen and strengthen  mutually beneficial cooperation.

Honourable Mr. Minister, dear colleagues, I want to assure you that the decision of the Iranian authorities to  open a Consulate General in the Syunik region - the pillar of our  country, is deeply acknowledged and highly appreciated in Armenia. I  would like to reiterate the intention of the Armenian side to  establish a Consulate General in Tabriz.

The Islamic Republic of Iran has always been and remains an important  partner for the Republic of Armenia. Our cooperation includes a  comprehensive political agenda, as well as strong ties in the fields  of trade, energy, transport, science and education, tourism, and  culture, which will hopefully further deepen and receive a  qualitative and practical new impetus due to the activities of the  Consulate General opening today.  I am convinced that the Consulate  General will greatly contribute to the further enhancement of  contacts between the Armenian and Iranian peoples. It will become an  indicator of warm relations between two friendly and neighbouring  countries, a unique milestone for ensuring peace and security in the  region.  Dear Mr. Consul General, I once again congratulate you on  the appointment to the responsible position of Consul General of the  Islamic Republic of Iran in the Republic of Armenia, wishing you new  achievements and success for the benefit of the Armenian and Iranian  peoples.  You can be assured to always have the support of the  Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia and relevant authorities for  the successful implementation of your important mission. Once again I  congratulate all of us on this important occasion.  Thank you."

In turn, the Iranian Foreign Minister expressed satisfaction with the  opening of the Iranian Consulate General in Kapan. The opening of  which became possible, according to him, also thanks to the  assistance of the Armenian authorities. He also expressed the  readiness of the Iranian authorities to assist in the opening of the  RA Consulate General in Tabriz.

"The decision of the Iranian authorities to establish a Consulate  General in Kapan is a reflection of the importance that the Iranian  authorities attach to the thousand-year history between the Armenian  and Iranian peoples. In the presence of respected and hospitable  Kapan people, I would like to inform you that Iran perceives the  security of Armenia and the region as its own security. Our policy is  based on respecting territorial integrity and internationally  recognized borders," said a high-ranking Iranian diplomat.

According to him, the Iranian side, together with its diplomats in  Yerevan and Kapan, will work to further develop the Armenian-Iranian  trade and economic relations. In this vein, Abdollahian stated that  the Syunik region is an important part of the North-South  international transport corridor, and Armenia occupies an important  place in this project.

"And we will make every effort to develop this transit route, as well  as cargo transportation, as much as possible. Long live Iran, long  live Armenia, long live friendship between the two peoples," the  Iranian minister summed up.