Armenia will not engage in any action against Iran, says Pashinyan

PanARMENIAN.Net - Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated in an interview with Iran’s state television (IRIB) that Armenia will never engage in any action against Iran.

He emphasized that the relations between Armenia and Iran are based on mutual interests and sensitivity to each other’s national interests. According to him, Iran’s stability, development, and security are crucial for Armenia.

"There are factors that negatively affect relations, and they are no secret. These include the complicated ties between Iran and several Western countries, with which we also have good relations. We try to consider Iran’s sensitive interests and avoid contradictions in our processes, especially since developing relations with Iran aligns with our natural interests," said Pashinyan.

He also responded to observations that his government is considered pro-Western and whether this would impact Armenia-Iran relations.

"Our government follows a balanced and neutral foreign policy, which means we cannot show bias in any direction. Armenia's foreign policy must be based on national interests," Pashinyan stated.

He reminded that Armenia has been a member of the Council of Europe since 2000 and maintains close ties with European institutions. Pashinyan also noted that after the 2018 Velvet Revolution, Armenia embarked on democratic reforms, actively cooperating with the European Union and the Council of Europe.

At the same time, he stressed that Armenia places great importance on regional relations and respects the fact that each country has its own development model and political approach. According to Pashinyan, Armenia’s goal is not to weaken regional ties in favor of Western partners but to pursue comprehensive development and cooperation.

He highlighted Armenia’s commitment to strengthening relations with the Islamic world, including Iran, as part of its balanced foreign policy.

"I am confident that our relations pose no threat to Iran, and likewise, we expect Iran to avoid relationships with third parties that may pose threats to Armenia. Our relations are built on natural trust," the Prime Minister stated.

When asked what stance Armenia would take if Western countries posed a threat to Iran, Pashinyan responded:

"It depends on what you mean by ‘threat,’ but we have stated that the Republic of Armenia will not engage in any action against the Islamic Republic of Iran. Our natural and fundamental interests make us mutually sensitive to each other’s national concerns. Iran’s stability, development, and security are extremely important to us, and I believe it is so evident that it hardly needs explanation," he said.

He added that Iran’s economic stability is also crucial for Armenia, particularly in the tourism sector. He underlined Armenia’s interest in attracting more Iranian tourists, which is possible only if Iran experiences economic growth, stability, and security.

Pashinyan also touched upon trade and economic cooperation, noting that Armenia and Iran have significant potential for collaboration along the North-South corridor. He suggested that Armenia could serve as the most reliable and shortest route for Iran to the West and North, a topic actively discussed between the two countries.

Referring to the strategic cooperation agreement signed with the U.S., Pashinyan said Armenia is developing ties with all partners within the framework of its balanced foreign policy.

"Yes, we have signed a strategic partnership document, and this was done quite recently. We must take this document as an agenda and work to implement it.

Moreover, it is important to note that this is a public document, ensuring transparency for our neighbors, partners, and the region. We hope that this agreement will be implemented and that, rather than creating or escalating threats in our region, it will highlight existing opportunities. This is, of course, not easy, but as I said, it has never been easy, and it never will be. The key is to find ways, paths, and the will to create and utilize these opportunities," Pashinyan concluded.

A journalist pointed out that the U.S. has often failed to fulfill its obligations in the past.

"In all our relations, we consider our regional interests, and we will continue to follow this approach," Pashinyan said.