Iranian Defense Minister Mohammad Reza Ashtiani and Armenian Defense Minister Suren Papikyan convened in Tehran on March 6 to discuss matters concerning regional security, the Armenian Defence Ministry reports.

The agenda encompassed talks on the current status of defense cooperation and potential avenues for future growth. The Ministers shared perspectives on global and regional affairs, underscoring their dedication to fostering enduring peace and stability in the South Caucasus region. Following the discussions, several agreements of mutual interest were reached between the two parties.

Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Gharayi Ashtiani, the Minister of Defence and Armed Forces Logistics of Iran, emphasized that enhancing ties with all neighboring countries is a cornerstone of Iran's foreign policy. Ashtiani underscored Iran’s significant regard for its relations with Armenia.

The Iranian minister expressed Iran’s support for regional peace and stated: “The decisive position of the Islamic Republic of Iran is to support the territorial integrity of the countries of the region and their right to sovereignty over their entire territory and not to change the internationally recognized borders.”

He outlined that Iran will continue to adhere to this policy concerning the Caucasus region and will support direct negotiations between Azerbaijan and Armenia.

Regarding regional security, he emphasized that it should be upheld by the countries in the region, emphasizing that any approach contradicting this policy is unacceptable.

Mohammad Reza Ashtiani emphasized that the Caucasus region should not become a battleground for external competition. 

He affirmed this position, stating that seeking security from external sources could intensify conflicts, turning the area into a nexus of power conflicts and increasing challenges to regional peace and stability.

During this official visit to Iran, the Armenian Minister of Defence, Suren Papikyan, also met with Major General Mohammad Bagheri, the Chief of Staff for the Armed Forces of Iran. The discussions centered primarily on military cooperation and regional security matters.