On June 5, while on official visit to Tehran, Edward Nalbandian, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia, met with Mohammad Javad Zarif, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Iran.

Welcoming Edward Nalbandian, Mohammad Javad Zarif mentioned that Iran attaches a special importance to the comprehensive cooperation with friendly Armenia, and expressed confidence that high-level mutual visits create an opportunity for the further strengthening and deepening of that cooperation.

Edward Nalbandian thanked for the invitation and warm reception and attached importance to further expansion of mutually beneficial cooperation and development of multi-faceted relations based on the existing solid ground.

The Ministers shared the view that forthcoming visit by the President of Iran to Armenia would give an important impetus to raise the Armenian-Iranian relations to a new level. Within this context, the sides reaffirmed their commitment to exert consistent efforts towards the implementation of joint projects.

Foreign Ministers of Armenia and Iran reflected on a wide range of issues on the bilateral agenda. An importance was attached to regular consultations between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs.

Edward Nalbandian and Mohammad Javad Zarif discussed in details issues related to the development of cooperation in the fields of trade and economy, energy, transport, agriculture, education, healthcare, culture, nature protection and tourism, promotion of contacts between business circles, and issues of mutual participation in international economic expos organized in both countries. The Ministers outlined the importance of agreement on visa liberalization reached between the two countries.

The Ministers reflected on the process of implementation of arrangements reached at the 13th session of Intergovernmental Committee, discussed preparatory works of 14th session to be held this fall in Tehran.

The interlocutors exchanged thoughts on the establishment of cooperation between the Eurasian Economic Union and Iran.

Edward Nalbandian and Mohammad Javad Zarif touched upon the pressing regional and international issues. Processes in the Middle East and fight of the international community against the terrorism were discussed.

During the meeting, thoughts were exchanged on the implementation of Iran nuclear deal and the new opportunities for cooperation in the region resulting from that deal. In this regard, Edward Nalbandian stressed that this agreement is the most remarkable achievement in international relations of 2015, which yet again revealed that once there is a political will, it is possible to reach the solution of any, even the most complex problems through diplomacy and negotiations.

Foreign Minister of Armenia presented steps aimed at overcoming of consequences of Azerbaijan’s early April large-scale military aggression unleashed against Nagorno-Karabakh. Importance was attached to the implementation of arrangements reached at the Vienna Summit in May. Edward Nalbandian commended Iran’s balanced and principled position on the exclusively peaceful settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh issue on the basis of International Law.

On the same day, at the residency of the President of Iran, Edward Nalbandian and Mohammad Javad Zarif signed the Memorandum on exemption of visa requirements between Armenia and Iran.