We must focus our efforts on signing a document on strategic relations with Armenia. This was stated by Iranian First Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi in an exclusive interview with Region Monitor.

Dear Mr. Ravanchi, how would you assess the current level of Iran-Armenia relations? What new programs do you plan to implement with Armenia? Is there a prospect of bringing cooperation to a higher level and enshrining it in a document?

Iran and Armenia are two good neighbors. We enjoy the good relations that exist historically between the two countries. The peoples of the two countries have traditionally had good relations. We [i.e. Iran] believe that there is a great potential that should be used by the two countries to improve bilateral relations. We believe that there are many things in the field of trade that can be beneficial for both sides in terms of expanding economic relations. We believe that there are many good things in the field of culture that can happen between the two countries, both in Yerevan and Tehran, as well as in other cities of the two countries. Examples of such cooperation can be university exchange, student exchange, professor exchange programs. In addition, we believe that there are domains that need to be further explored. For example, in terms of transport corridors that can connect the two countries with their neighbors. In my view, there is a great potential that can be used. The exchange of people, tourism, is another domain that can be considered by both sides. So, there are many issues, many domains which both countries should pay attention to so that the good relations between the parties can further develop and expand. We see that there is interest on both sides and there are contacts between the officials—foreign ministers and presidents—of both countries. High-ranking officials of both nations are interested in exchanging their views on various occasions. So, everything is ready to improve bilateral relations—and not only bilaterally. We believe we can have greater cooperation in the international arena as well—within the framework of the United Nations and other international forums.. We believe that there are many opportunities that need to be explored. And as I said, Iran and Armenia have shown their determination to develop their relations in various domains.

Is it possible to sign a document on strategic relations? Is there such a possibility?

In my opinion, why not? We believe that we should focus our efforts in that direction, and I believe that there is that trend, and both sides have shown interest in moving towards that document. I believe that we should work on a good document that can be a better basis for both sides to have strategic relations. It may take time to prepare a good document, but I believe that as long as both sides show their interest, we should work harder to achieve that goal.