Dear Javad,

I welcome You and your delegation to Yerevan. Of course, during the private conversation we have already comprehensively touched upon the bilateral agenda, as well as the issues of stability and peace in the region. We will now proceed with our discussions in an expanded format with the participation of the delegations.

The Armenian-Iranian agenda is indeed quite comprehensive, based on the centuries-old friendly relations uniting our two peoples. Our friendship is the best example of intercultural dialogue, coexistence of different religions and civilizations, based on mutual trust and respect. That is the key to achieving peace and stability in the region.

Armenia attaches great importance to the high level political dialogue established with Iran, close trade and economic ties, and cooperation in the areas of mutual interest. I am pleased to note that recently, the contacts between the sectoral representatives of our countries have been quite active. This meeting is a good opportunity to exchange views on the prospects of multisectoral cooperation, to outline the further steps. I am confident that through joint efforts we will be able to further strengthen and develop our mutually beneficial cooperation.

Dear Javad,

You have arrived in Armenia during the disturbing days for our region and we highly appreciate that fact. It has been two weeks since the Azerbaijani armed forces invaded the border areas of the Republic of Armenia, trying to provoke a new escalation, which is fraught with new regional threats.

Undoubtedly, this encroachment on Armenia's territorial integrity is a direct consequence of the war unleashed on September 27 last year by Azerbaijan against the people of Artsakh, their right to self-determination and life, as well as the inadequate international and regional response to Azerbaijan's actions towards endangering regional peace. Encouraged by the sense of impunity, Azerbaijan is trying to create new geopolitical realities which do not proceed from the interests of countries concerned in regional stability. In these conditions, the dialogue with our regional partners is more than important.

Once again I welcome You in Yerevan.