Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan paid a short working visit to the Islamic Republic of Iran. The Prime Minister was met by Iran's Vice President Masoud Mir Kazem at Tehran International Airport.

Then Prime Minister Pashinyan went to Saadabad Palace. Here, President of the Republic of Iran Ebrahim Raisi welcomed Prime Minister Pashinyan, and the official welcoming ceremony took place.

Before the start of the negotiations, Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructures of Armenia Gnel Sanosyan and Deputy Minister of Oil of Iran, Director of the National Gas Company Majid Chegeni, signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in the field of natural gas.

First, the meeting of the leaders of Armenia and Iran took place with a narrow and then with an expanded structure. The interlocutors discussed several agenda issues related to the development of Armenian-Iranian relations. In particular, the possibilities of expansion of trade and economic ties and continuous increase of trade turnover volumes were addressed. In particular, the need to increase these volumes to 3 billion dollars per year was emphasized, for which, according to Prime Minister Pashinyan and Ebrahim Raisi, there is a corresponding potential.

The parties also discussed issues related to cooperation in infrastructure development, energy, agriculture, construction, and other fields. The implementation of joint projects for the facilitation of cargo transportation and the need to complete the third power transmission line construction between Armenia and Iran was highlighted.

After the meeting, the leaders of Armenia and Iran made statements summarizing the results of the negotiations for media representatives.

Ebrahim Raisi, in particular, noted. "I welcome the Honorable Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia and the delegation members accompanying him. I am confident that the visit of Mr. Prime Minister will contribute to the further development of bilateral relations.

The neighborhood policy is one of our central policies, and we have had several meetings with Mr. Pashinyan during these months. During those meetings and today's visit, we emphasized the importance of developing ties between the two countries, especially in the economic, trade, political, and security spheres.

During the previous months, we had a 43 percent increase in trade and economic relations with Armenia, but the goal-setting target is 3 billion dollars. Achieving this goal will come true. Good relations between the two countries will undoubtedly strengthen ties and security in the region.

The Caucasus region is a part of Iran's historical, cultural and civilizational past, and we are very sensitive to that region. Establishing regional security and peace is essential for the Islamic Republic of Iran. In the negotiations with Mr. Pashinyan, we concluded that the issues and problems of the region must be solved through the representatives of the area's countries. The presence of foreign powers not only does not solve any problems but adds to them.

It is regional cooperation that will guarantee complete and lasting peace between countries. I hope that the agreements reached during this visit and it was decided that the two countries' officials should make every effort to implement these agreements will contribute to the further development of our relations. We will witness a high level of bilateral relations. Once again, I greet the friendly and neighboring Prime Minister of Armenia and the delegation members accompanying him."

In turn, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said: "Dear Mr. President, thank you for the invitation and warm welcome. I have to record that we have a complete visit. We discussed issues related to the economic and political relations of the two countries and emphasized our historical ties, including documenting the nuances of our links. I also highly appreciated the attitude and policy of the government of the Islamic Republic of Iran regarding the opportunities created for the Armenian community of Iran. I must emphasize that the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Republic of Armenia are brilliant examples of cooperation and friendship between Islamic and Christian civilizations.

We have also discussed issues related to the regional plan. In this direction, the Republic of Armenia and the Islamic Republic of Iran see a vast field of cooperation. We appreciate Iran's principled positions in ensuring regional security and stability. I told Mr. Raisi about the results of the tripartite meeting in Sochi. I shared my impressions about the plan and current processes for establishing regional stability and peace.

We consider it essential that our Iranian partners are informed about what is happening in the context of Armenia-Azerbaijan relations, in the context of Armenia-Turkey relations, and in the context of the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabagh issue.

Of course, a massive part of our conversation is about developing economic cooperation, and we see huge potential here. There are specific perspectives in energy, agriculture, infrastructure development, and water resources management; the conversation should be made as concrete as possible. And I am glad the visit has a concrete result and a memorandum on the extension of the "Gas for Electricity" contract was signed.

So, Mr. President, there is every reason to consider the visit already memorable. I will be happy to host you in the Republic of Armenia at a convenient time for you to continue this conversation. I want to thank you for supporting the positive developments in our relations, the latest manifestation of which was the opening of the Iranian Consulate General in Kapan, the regional center of Syunik. Thank you":

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's short visit to the Islamic Republic of Iran has ended.