Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –
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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News
TEHRAN, Aug. 14 (Xinhua) — Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Wednesday exchanged views on the latest developments in the Caucasus with senior diplomats from Russia and Armenia.
According to statements released by the Iranian Foreign Ministry, during two separate meetings with the Russian Foreign Ministry's Special Representative for Assistance to Normalization of Relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan Igor Khovayev and Armenian Deputy Foreign Minister Vahan Kostanyan, A. Araghchi also discussed bilateral relations with the two countries.
At both meetings, A. Araghchi reaffirmed Iran’s principled position on supporting the establishment of peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan, emphasizing the need for a peaceful solution to regional problems through the efforts of the countries of the region and in the absence of foreign interference.
During the conversation with I. Khovaev, the head of the Iranian Foreign Ministry called for the use of regional mechanisms to resolve regional problems, promote cooperation and rapprochement in the region, and ensure the security and collective interests of the Caucasus countries.
A. Araghchi said that Iran and Russia have taken similar positions on important regional and international issues, stressing the need to continue and advance bilateral consultations and cooperation to protect their common interests.
The Russian diplomat, for his part, presented a report on his country’s diplomatic efforts to ensure peace and tranquility in the Caucasus, emphasizing the importance of constant and close consultations, coordination and interaction between Russia and Iran.
At his meeting with the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia, A. Araghchi emphasized that the unblocking of transit routes in the region should take place with respect for the national sovereignty and territorial integrity of the countries of the region and in compliance with their interests and considerations.
He said any plan to unblock transit routes should not lead to geopolitical changes in the region or disrupt transport links between other countries, stressing that states in the region should benefit from any peace agreement in the region.
V. Kostanyan informed A. Araghchi about the latest developments in the South Caucasus region, assuring that his country views its relations with Iran as strategic and pays serious attention to regional stability, security and Iran’s geopolitical interests when making decisions on any agreement concerning peace, security and transit routes in the Caucasus.
Armenia and Azerbaijan, which have disputed the mountainous region of Nagorno-Karabakh since 1988, have been holding peace talks since a ceasefire was agreed in 1994, despite sporadic clashes since then.
The two leaders witnessed the initialing of a peace deal at the White House on Friday that would end their decades-long border dispute. The two sides are expected to take further steps to finally sign and ratify the agreement.
The deal included in the agreement gives the United States exclusive rights to create and develop a major transit corridor through southern Armenia that would directly link the mainland of Azerbaijan to its enclave in Nakhchivan and then to Turkey. –0–
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