Iran supports the “Crossroads of the World” initiative presented by Armenia and believes that its implementation will benefit the entire region. Tehran is convinced that connectivity is a key component of economic development and prosperity.
In an interview with the Armenpress agency, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said this, touching upon the discussion of the issue of lifting the blockade of economic and transport infrastructure in the South Caucasus, proposals presented by Armenia in this context, and Azerbaijan’s constant statements on the creation of an extraterritorial corridor.
In the interview, Esmail Baghaei also touched upon Armenia’s policy of deepening relations with the West and Iran’s position on this issue, the Armenian-Azerbaijani peace process, as well as the telephone conversation between Pezeshkyan and Aliyev, during which the Iranian President called on his Azerbaijani counterpart to investigate publications about Israel’s use of Azerbaijani airspace to attack Iran.
The interview took place in Tehran on July 29.
– In the context of unblocking transport and economic communications in the South Caucasus, Armenia has put forward the “Crossroads of Peace” initiative based on the principles of territorial integrity, sovereignty, jurisdiction and reciprocity, while Azerbaijan continues to demand an extraterritorial corridor from Armenia to connect with Nakhichevan. What is Iran’s position on this issue?
– Let me put it this way. First of all, we highly value our bilateral relations with both the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Armenia. They are our neighbors and we are determined to continue our good-neighborliness policy with both countries. We have strong friendly ties with both Azerbaijan and Armenia. As for Armenia, there is a very active and influential Armenian community in Iran, of which we are proud.
Ensuring peace and stability in the South Caucasus is of vital importance to us, as we perceive the peace and security of this region as a component of our own peace and security. We will make every effort to establish peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
As for transport routes, we have always supported them, as we are convinced that connectivity is a key component of economic development and well-being for both Armenians and Azerbaijanis, as well as Iranians. We sincerely hope that these initiatives will yield positive results. We supported the “Crossroads of the World” initiative put forward by Armenia and believe that it is beneficial for the entire region.
At the same time, we have made it clear that any transport route must be implemented in compliance with internationally recognized borders and not violate the sovereignty or territorial integrity of any state.
Therefore, although we support the expansion of transport routes and connections between the countries of the South Caucasus and Iran, we must be extremely careful. First, not to change internationally recognized borders, not to violate in any way the national sovereignty or territorial integrity of any state.
Another important point that we have always emphasized and believe that all states in the region should understand is that third parties from outside the region should not be allowed to interfere in the affairs of the South Caucasus. Such interventions will only complicate the situation and will not meet the interests of the states of the region. This is our principled position, which we have always voiced and will adhere to.