On March 13, Foreign Minister of Armenia Edward Nalbandian had a meeting with Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran Manouchehr Mottaki.

After the ministers’ tête-à-tête meeting, the negotiations were continued with the participation of delegations.

In his welcoming remarks Minister Nalbandian highly appreciated Armenian-Iranian friendly and mutually beneficial relations which are an important factor for strengthening of regional security and stability.

In his turn Manouchehr Mottaki thanked for warm reception and mentioned that Iran is interested in further development of comprehensive relations with neighbouring and friendly Armenia and he visits Armenia to promote the development of bilateral cooperation in different areas.

While discussing the bilateral economic relations, Ministers Nalbandian and Mottaki touched upon the results of the 8th session of the Armenian-Iranian Intergovernmental Commission held in Tehran at the end of 2008 and discussed the implementation of the agreements reached at the session. They both attached importance to the enlargement of existing legal field which will create new opportunities to deepen cooperation in the economic area.

Edward Nalbandian and Manouchehr Mottaki discussed issues concerning maintenance of stability and security in the region.

Foreign Ministers of Armenia and Iran also touched upon recent developments in the negotiation process over Artsakh (Nagorno Karabakh) issue. Ministers stressed that all regional disputes should be resolved only by the means of peaceful negotiations.

The meeting between Foreign Ministers was followed by the joint press conference.

To listen to the entire press conference in Armenian, click here.