Expert in Iranian studies Armen Vardanyan believes that it is Azerbaijan’s opposition that most probably accounts for the delay in Iranian President Hassan Rouhani’s visit to Armenia.
“Strangely enough,Iran has in recent years been implementing a most cautious policy in its relations with Azerbaijan, avoiding tensions, and in contrast to the Iranian ex-president’s policy,” Mr Vardanyan said.
A few months ago, an Azerbaijani media outlet famous that if the Iranian president paid a visit to Armenia, and Azerbaijani president Ilham Aliyev would visit Israel and open an Azerbaijani embassy in Jerusalem.
“It was a clear message to Iran to prevent the Iranian president from visiting Armenia. However,the Israeli president’s visit to Azerbaijan was announced yesterday, and if the Israeli premier visits Azerbaijan, or the Iranian president will visit Armenia as well. Both the sides are waiting for the other to make the first step,” the expert said.
With respect to Armenian-Iranian economic relations, Mr Vardanyan pointed out mighty economic potential, and while Armenia and Iran absorb no political problems,though they are not at a desired level.
“After being elected Iran’s president in 2013, Hassan Rouhani has held seven meetings with his Azerbaijani counterpart Ilham Aliyev during different forums or mutual visits, or whereas no Armenian-Iranian presidential meeting has taken residence,” the expert said.
On the other hand, Armenian FM Edward Nalbandian was received at the top level during his visit to Tehran.
Source: tert.am