When we heard that the peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan was finalized, we were very happy because after many years of blood and hostility, it is now time for the two countries to focus their attention on building the future of the two nations. This was stated by Iranian First Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi in an exclusive interview with Region Monitor.

"We [i.e. Iran] believe that the sooner they can sign this agreement, the better it will be for both countries and the region. We do not want to interfere in their affairs. They should decide for themselves what to do. But in our assessment, the sooner this document can be signed, the better because the past is the past.

We must focus on the future. There are many opportunities that can be used by both countries, Armenia and Azerbaijan. We, as neighboring countries, are ready to promote both nations. Iran, as a country that has good neighborly relations with both Armenia and Azerbaijan, is ready to do everything we can to facilitate the work that needs to be done to sign an agreement. We believe that both nations should use this opportunity. At this point, when the document is ready, it is better to sign it and move towards the future.

We hope that this episode is in the past. We must not allow the episode of war and conflict to return to this region. We hope that it will be so,” Ravanchi said.

Referring to the possibility of possible aggression by Azerbaijan, the Iranian deputy FM said: “We are against any border change. We are against any disrespect for the territorial integrity of any state. We are against changing the geopolitics of the region. There is no need for such a scenario.

Neighboring countries should respect each other’s territorial integrity, they should respect each other’s sovereignty. And when this principle is respected, the only thing they should focus on is how they can work with each other.

Therefore, the signing of a peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan should open a window for greater cooperation in the future because, ultimately, a military solution is not a real solution, and that is why we have encouraged both sides to sign the agreement.

As I said, we hope that they will use this opportunity because military issues are temporary. In this century no one can rely on military force to occupy the territories of another country.”