Arya News Agency – Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian praised the deep cultural ties between Iran and Armenia, emphasizing the potential for expanding bilateral cooperation under the banner of friendship and shared heritage. “I am confident that the warm and respectful outlook shared by our peoples will help strengthen our relations and bring greater peace, stability, friendship, and progress to both nations,” he stated.
According to the presidential office, Pezeshkian made these remarks on Monday, August 18, during a meeting with Armenian Iranologists in Tehran. After listening to several scholars speak about the cultural and civilizational affinities between the two countries, he expressed his delight at being present and recited the famous verse by Persian poet Saadi: “Human beings are members of a whole…” He noted that if this verse were truly embraced as a guiding principle, many of the world’s problems could be resolved.
The president went on to reference the Quran, saying that it goes even further than Saadi’s verse by declaring that no human being is superior to another, and that the only measure of distinction is piety. “Piety means thinking and acting without error. It means living in a way that brings benefit to others and avoids causing harm,” he explained.
Highlighting the longstanding presence and reputation of Armenians in Iran, Pezeshkian remarked, “Armenians have always been admired in Persian poetry for their integrity and moral character. Today, they remain beloved and respected members of Iranian society.”
He emphasized that all prophets and religions have sought to guide humanity toward honesty, selfless service, and kindness. “Any thought or action that leads to anger, resentment, or war stems from a corrupt soul and reflects a lack of piety,” he said. “Anyone with a sense of humanity, regardless of faith or belief, cannot remain indifferent to the suffering of others.”
Reflecting on the brevity of human life and the vastness of the universe, Pezeshkian stressed that humanity was not created to inflict pain and suffering. “It is deeply troubling when those who claim to defend democracy and human rights are the same ones who block access to water, medicine, and food for innocent civilians in Gaza, while raining bombs on them day and night,” he said. “And even more disturbing is that others support these actions by supplying weapons and equipment, all while claiming to champion freedom and justice.”
“How can a human being witness the death of a child from hunger and thirst and remain unmoved?” he asked. “This world was not meant for such cruelty.”
In closing, Pezeshkian revisited the millennia-old neighborly ties between Iran and Armenia. “We may forget many people we’ve met over the years, but we never forget those who have shown us kindness and compassion,” he said. “The people of Iran and Armenia have only ever exchanged goodwill, friendship, and mutual respect.”
He concluded by expressing joy at the Armenian scholars’ warm expressions of affection in Persian, saying, “We are here to deepen and strengthen our relations. I am truly pleased to hear your kind words in your sweet accent and in the Persian language. I am certain that this beautiful and friendly outlook will help us build a future of peace, stability, and progress together.”