Iran is a very important country for Armenia. Not only because we have been neighbors for many centuries, but for other reasons as well, said the Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan in an interview with ‘Echo’ of Moscow.

“In fact, Iran is one of the two countries through which we communicate with the outside world. Having problems with Iran means narrowing the pipe through which Armenia is breathing. Therefore, we discuss this with our European partners, the United States and Russia. Our relationship is known”, said the president.

According to Serzh Sargsyan, Iran is a country with a very large Armenian Diaspora. Of course, they are citizens of Iran, but the Armenian state is responsible for all Armenians residing in other countries to some degree.

“We simply must not provoke any unpleasant actions in respect to the community”, said the head of state.

“We have good economic relations with Iran. Now we are working on important infrastructure projects. There is an agreement on the construction of the Iran-Armenia railroad. We launched the joint construction of hydropower stations on the Araks River. There are other very important economic projects for Armenia”, said Serzh Sargsyan.

According to him, relations with Iran are important for Armenia for another reason. Azerbaijanis, depending on the audience, try to present the Karabakh issue from different angles. In the Organization of the Islamic Conference, during the assembly of Turkic-speaking countries and generally in an Islamic setting, they attempt to present this issue as a religious one.

 “Our stable relations with Iran and other Islamic countries, Arab countries are very important. It is our chance to convey, first, the truth. Second, the affirmations of the steady course which Armenia has led in order to assure that its citizens feel comfortable and welcome in Arab countries and the Middle East. We do not have a religious conflict. Churches were built in Iran, Armenians were able to preserve their identity, language, culture and traditions”, stressed the President of Armenia.