Iran's Ghalibaf tells Armenian FM Caucasus must not become arena for foreign rivalry

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf met with visiting Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan in Tehran on Monday, according to Mehr News Agency. During the meeting, Ghalibaf addressed the situation in the Persian Gulf and said that experience has shown interference by extra-regional powers can lead to insecurity. He stated that the Caucasus must not become a scene for rivalry among foreign powers.

Ghalibaf thanked the Armenian people and government for their positions and actions in support of Iran during what he described as recent US-Israeli aggression. He said Iran's definite policy is to develop and strengthen relations with neighboring countries at both operational and strategic levels, adding that Armenia is an important opportunity for expanding ties with Iran. He also expressed hope that a strategic cooperation treaty between Iran and Armenia would be finalized soon.

Mirzoyan, for his part, said Armenia would not allow its territory to be used for actions against Iran. He stressed that preserving the existing borders of countries in the region was very important to Armenia. Mirzoyan described Armenia's relations with Iran as strategic and called for expanded bilateral cooperation. He added that Armenia sought to develop its transportation links with neighboring countries.

The meeting comes amid ongoing regional tensions and diplomatic efforts. Both sides emphasized the importance of bilateral ties and regional stability. The report by Mehr News Agency added that the discussions focused on strengthening cooperation and addressing shared concerns.