Armenian-Iranian relations should be strong, stable and friendly despite the US desire, said Iranian spiritual leader Iran Ayatollah Syed Ali Khamenei.

His remarks came at a meeting with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan in Tehran, Mehr reported. 

Ayatollah Khamenei described Iran and Armenia as good neighbors, enjoying historical relations and stressed on the necessity to increase levels of economic cooperation.

"Contrary to what the US desires, the ties between Iran and Armenia should be strong, persistent and friendly,” he said.

He regarded the expansion of cooperation and friendly relations between the two countries as a duty that should be carried out in the interests of the common interests of Iran and Armenia.

“Of course, the US is completely unreliable and always tries to cause sedition, corruption, conflict and war; they are against the relations between Iran and Armenia and they oppose the interests of the nations. However, in response, we need to strengthen our relations and cooperation,” he added.

According to him, “Iran and Armenia have never had any problems with each other. According to our Islamic teachings, we deem ourselves obliged to behave well toward our neighboring countries; even though the US officials, such as John Bolton, have no understanding of such matters or of human relations.”

Khamenei noted that the level of economic cooperation between Iran and Armenia is much lower than the potential possessed by the two states.

“The agreements and ratifications concluded during this trip should be vigorously pursued,” he added.

The leader also noted that the resolving of the Nagorno-Karabakh issue lies in the continuation of talks between the officials of Azerbaijan and Armenia; he further announced the willingness of the Islamic Republic of Iran to offer assistance in resolving the matter.