The ceremony was moderated by Narek Grigoryan, Head of the Chair of International Relations at Yerevan Gladzor University, Candidate of Political Sciences and Associate Professor. The opening address was delivered by Zhora Jhangiryan, Founder and Rector of Yerevan Gladzor University, Doctor of Law and Professor.
Welcoming remarks were delivered by His Excellency Mr. Khalil Shirgholami, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the Republic of Armenia, and Alfred Kocharyan, Deputy Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sport of the Republic of Armenia. In their speeches, the distinguished guests emphasized the strategic and academic significance of establishing the Center, highlighting its potential to contribute to the development of Armenian-Iranian relations, strengthen mutual understanding, and facilitate comprehensive research into regional developments.
In his address, Professor Zhora Jhangiryan stressed that this initiative should serve as the foundation for continued development and further academic expansion. Ambassador Khalil Shirgholami, in turn, underlined the importance of the Center in the broader context of strengthening Armenian-Iranian relations and fostering historical, cultural, and scientific ties between the two nations.
The ceremony was attended by members of the University's academic and administrative staff, students, political and public figures from the Republic of Armenia and the Islamic Republic of Iran, as well as experts, researchers, and scholars.
The Center's activities will be developed around two principal strategic directions.
1. Persian Language and Iranian Cultural Studies
This direction will focus on promoting Persian language education and advancing the study and dissemination of Iranian culture, history, and civilizational heritage.
As one of its first practical initiatives, free Persian language courses will be launched at the University starting in November 2026, providing students and other interested participants with an opportunity to study the language and gain a deeper understanding of Iranian culture.
2. Geopolitical and International Relations Research
This research direction will focus on Armenia–Iran relations, political and geopolitical developments in the South Caucasus and neighboring regions, as well as contemporary issues in international relations.
Within this framework, the Center plans to organize academic conferences, roundtable discussions, expert meetings, masterclasses, and other educational and research activities, creating an effective platform for academic, expert-level, and practical cooperation. For Yerevan Gladzor University, the establishment of the Center represents an important step towards expanding its academic and research capacities in international relations and regional studies, strengthening international cooperation, and fostering new research initiatives.
The Center aspires to become an important platform for Armenian-Iranian academic dialogue, Iranian studies, and professional analysis of regional and international developments.