Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on Friday received the recently appointed Iranian ambassador to Armenia, Khalil Shirgholami, the PM’s office informs.

First, Pashinyan congratulated Shirgholami on assuming the aforementioned position and highlighted the consistent development of Armenia’s relations with Iran. The premier emphasized that there is an unprecedented dynamics in Armenia-Iran relations, which is due also to the fact that the two countries are interconnected by natural interests. Also, the PM expressed hope that during the activities of Khalil Shirgholami, the two countries will be able to further deepen and expand their cooperation in all domains.

In turn, the Iranian ambassador thanked for the hospitality and conveyed to the Armenian premier the warm greetings of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. Shirgholami underscored the centuries-old close ties between the two peoples, on which the high level of mutual trust between Armenia and Iran is based. According to the diplomat, Iran welcomes the peace-oriented policy of the Armenian PM, and this contributes to the development and progress of the region. Also, Khalil Shirgholami stressed that a developed Armenia is envisaged in the basis of Iran's strategic policy and they are guided by this principle.

Next, the interlocutors discussed Armenia-Iran cooperation in various domains, and touched upon the progress of joint programs.

And in the context of unblocking regional communication routes and promoting trade and economic relations, the parties attached importance to the measures aimed at ensuring a railway link between Armenia and Iran, which can become part of establishing broader ties.