The joint virtual session between the Iranian Institute for Political and International Studies (IPIS) and the Orbely Center of Armenia about the regional and bilateral issues was held on Tuesday, March 2, 2021.

The session was attended by Dr.Mohammad KazemSajjadpour, Deputy Minister of MOFA & President of IPIS; Mr.Majid Ghafelebashi, Research Deputy at the Center; Iraj Elahi, Head of Eurasia Department of Foreign Ministry; Jalaleddin Namini and Aliakbar Jokar, Senior Experts of IPIS; on one side,

and,

   Mr.Gagic Chalachyan, Political Deputy of Armenian Foreign Ministry; Meri Hovsepyan, Zhanna Vardanyan and Taron Hovhannisyan, Senior Experts at the said Armenian center; on the other side.

The session was held in the form of two panels, “Bilateral Relations Developments”, and “Examining Latest Developments in Caucasus and West Asia”, to answer the following questions, (1) What are the ways for strengthening experiences of the two countries for removing obstacles in the way to achieve the goals of mutual economic cooperation? (2) How do the two countries view strengthening transport and public diplomacy? (3) How will Armenia’s domestic, regional and international policies? (4) What are the most important factors for convergence and divergence in the Caucasus countries? (5) How important is exchange of experiences in the Eurasian countries? (6) What is the role of the Caucasus corridor in trade and economic development of this region? (7) What is the landscape of the relations between Russia and the Caucasus?     

Here are the most important issues touched upon at the session:

• The Iranian and Armenian officials have always stated that the relations of the two countries have been based on the principles of peaceful coexistence and the bond between the two nations. The shared historical and cultural roots of Armenia and Iran have led the friendly relations between the countries to being based on mutual respect and trust between the two nations.
• Removing trade and communication barriers between the two countries can speed up economic development and convergence of both countries. Therefore, removing the transportation barriers can be an exceptional opportunity for expanding trade ties of both countries as well as for creating peace and stability in the region.
• For achieving sustainable peace and stability there must be constructive interaction based on the common civilization, legacy and values of the regional countries. Thus, any expansionist and aggressive policies can trigger uncontrollable crises in the region.
• The challenges facing the region show that mutual trust and expansion of cooperation in all terms among the Caucasus countries will foster peace and security, because the joint needs demand joint actions from all the actors and any interference by foreign forces can in no way bring peace and friendship for the people of the region.