Iran Ready to Act as Peace Mediator between Azerbaijan, Armenia: President
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi told Ilham Aliyev that the Islamic Republic is ready to use its capacities in the way of solving the differences between the Republic of Azerbaijan and Armenia.
Speaking in a meeting with Azerbaijan president on the sidelines of the summit of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) that is held in the Kazakh capital Astana, President Raisi highlighted that Iran is opposed to any foreign military presence in the Caucasus region under any pretext and that Islamic Republic is prepared to use its great capabilities to resolve the disputes between Republic of Azerbaijan and Armenia.
Also on his part, Aliyev stressed the need to keep up the process of deepening bilateral economic cooperation with Iran, adding that Azerbaijan continues to work to maintain stability and security in the South Caucasus and around the Caspian Sea.
The Republic of Azerbaijan pursues an independent foreign policy, the president of Azerbaijan said, welcoming the improvement of ties between the nations bordering the Caspian Sea on the basis of friendship.
Aliyev claimed that Armenia engaged in provocative behavior on September 12–13 of this year in an effort to exacerbate the regional situation.
He said that the South Caucasus peace process is currently in progress and that Azerbaijan wants to sign a peace treaty with Armenia based on its five proposed principles. “I think Armenia could make progress in this direction if it demonstrates political will,” he added.
The opening of the Agband Bridge between Iran and Azerbaijan was mentioned during the meeting as being significant both symbolically and practically.
The parties also discussed regional security issues at the meeting.