Over the past years, when the region and relations were fraught with high sensitivity, we managed to raise the level of political relations and cooperation between us, with common and high understanding, outgoing Iranian ambassador to Armenia Mehdi Sobhani noted at his farewell press conference Friday.

“In the days when our two countries needed each other, we supported each other and gave real meaning to the good-neighborly policy.

Iran has always expressed its determination to uphold the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Armenia, voiced the inviolability of borders, as well as the inadmissibility of geopolitical changes in the region. Iran will continue to stand by this position.

The trade between the two countries has continued to grow. According to official statistics, trade will cross the $900 million threshold this year. We managed to extend the ‘[natural] gas-for-electricity’ strategic agreement until 2030, and expand our strategic relationship in the energy sector.

We managed to launch the construction work of the Agarak-Kajaran road project [in Armenia] within the framework of the North-South [motorway], where significant progress has been recorded. And I declare that we will complete this project ahead of schedule,” the Iranian diplomat said.

According to him, they have managed to give a great impetus to the work of the third power transmission line, and this project is now in its final phase, with 92 percent progress.

“We managed to promote the spread of the Persian language—which is the language of peace, courtesy, kindness, and friendship—in Armenia, and through the Persian language and its students, build a bridge for cultural rapprochement and friendship between the peoples of the two countries. We managed to strengthen Iranian Studies in Armenia, which is imbued with love for Iran.

Today, it can be said with confidence that the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Republic of Armenia are partners, neighbors, and true friends. And the symbol of this friendship is clearly reflected in the friendship and honorary medals awarded to me by the President of the Republic of Armenia, as well as the Minister of Defense of the Republic of Armenia.

The ‘train’ of progress in our relations is always moving, and no force can stop it or divert it from its path,” said the outgoing Iranian ambassador to Armenia, and concluded his remarks in Armenian, saying, “Long live Armenia! Long live Iran!”