Leader Affirms Iran’s Strategic Ties with Armenia

EghtesadOnline: Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan met with Ayatollah Khamenei in Tehran on Wednesday, during which he expressed the Armenian government and nation’s condolences on the martyrdom-like demise of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi.

In the meeting, Ayatollah Khamenei expressed appreciation for the condolences given by the prime minister of Armenia, while highlighting the historical and geographical commonalities and shared interests between Iran and Armenia.

“The policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran to expand relations with Armenia will continue under the guidance of Mr. Mokhber,” the Leader underlined, Khamenei.ir reported.

Referring to the Armenian prime minister’s emphasis on the strategic nature of relations between the two countries, the Leader added, “My emphasis on expanding cooperation is based on the strategic nature of relations, but what is important is that the relations between Iran and Armenia have opponents, which is why matters related to the two countries must be handled with caution and care.”

Ayatollah Khamenei added that, “Our late president was very sensitive to the border issues related to Armenia and the events surrounding them. This sensitivity and caution should continue to be observed, and we must be able to secure our own interests.”

For his part, Pashinyan stated, “We were shocked and astounded to hear the news of the passing of the Iranian President and the Iranian Foreign Affairs Minister and their entourage in the air crash. However, as you mentioned, we are confident that under your guidance and leadership, there will be no disruption to Iran’s affairs.”

A helicopter carrying President Raisi and his entourage crashed in northwestern mountainous forests on Sunday.

The fatal accident happened as the president was returning from Khoda Afarin region in Iran’s northwestern province of East Azarbaijan after inaugurating a dam at the common border with the Republic of Azerbaijan.

The crash killed President Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian, Friday prayers leader of Tabriz Ayatollah Mohammad Ali Al-e-Hashem, Governor of East Azarbaijan Malek Rahmati, the commander of the president’s security team, two pilots and a flight crew.

Ayatollah Khamenei has declared five days of public mourning, appointing the first vice president as the manager of the executive power. / Tasnim