Araghchi: Tehran and Baku Must Not Allow Third Parties to Sabotage Relations
Tehran - BORNA - Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, in a joint press conference with Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov in Baku, extended an invitation to his counterpart to visit Tehran.
He added that the most important agreement during this visit was to expand diplomatic talks, consultations, and exchanges between the two countries to bring relations to a problem-free level and focus on their expansion.
Awaiting Hosts to Aliyev and Bayramov in Tehran
Araghchi continued: "We are looking forward to hosting Mr. Ilham Aliyev, the President of Azerbaijan, and Jeyhun Bayramov, the Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan, in Tehran."
The Iranian Foreign Minister noted: "In this meeting, we discussed the latest regional developments, including the aggressions of the Zionist regime against regional countries, including Iran."
Agreement on Trilateral Meetings and 3+3 Mechanism
Araghchi went on to state that they discussed developments in the Caucasus region and the 3+3 mechanism during the meeting. He affirmed: "We emphasized the necessity of achieving peace and stability in the region and preventing any foreign interference in the Caucasus. We also agreed to hold trilateral meetings with other countries in the region."
He noted, "I think this is a good mechanism for expanding cooperation in the region," and stressed: "We are determined to expand our relations with Azerbaijan in all dimensions, and these relations should grow further." Araghchi reiterated: "We must not allow any other party to spoil this relationship or push it towards an undesirable direction."
3+3 Meetings Planned for Baku and Yerevan
The Foreign Minister, responding to a question about Iran's view on the 3+3 mechanism, said: "We attach great importance to this mechanism. As Mr. Bayramov stated, this mechanism is not just for the issue of Azerbaijan and Armenia, but for achieving peace and stability throughout the region, and its goal is to create cooperation and political and economic consultations among the region's countries." He explained that the goal is to create peace and stability across the entire region, and Iran supports this mechanism.
He expressed pleasure that relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia are currently on a good track and welcomed the peace process between the two countries. He cited as one outcome that, at Azerbaijan's suggestion, the 3+3 meeting is scheduled to be held in Baku, with the next meeting planned for Yerevan. He concluded that making the 3+3 mechanism more effective and stronger is crucial for the stability of the entire region.
Committed to Regional Security Cooperation
Araghchi also addressed regional security, noting that both Iran and Azerbaijan are completely serious about regional security. "We believe in security cooperation in the region," he stated, adding that the 3+3 mechanism was formed in this context. The high-ranking diplomat stressed that regional security must be provided by the countries of the region, and "any foreign interference in this regard is destructive." He concluded that both countries agree on this principle and will continue their cooperation accordingly.
Rasht-Astara Railway Project Has Made Good Progress
The Foreign Minister, in response to a question regarding the latest status of the Rasht-Astara railway project, stated: "This project has made good progress. Good cooperation is underway between Iran, Azerbaijan, and the Russian Federation. The funding has been secured, and we are carrying out the necessary preparations for the implementation of this project. Over 50 percent of the necessary preparations for the execution of this project have been made, and God willing, its executive operations will begin next year."
No Plan Should Undermine Palestinians' Right to Self-Determination
The Foreign Minister, in response to a question regarding Gaza, Palestine, and the plans being proposed for achieving peace in the region, noted: "We welcome any action that leads to the cessation of crimes and massacres against the Palestinian people, provides aid to the people of Gaza, and results in the end of the occupation of Palestinian territory." He stressed that Iran believes "no measure or plan should undermine or weaken the inherent right of the Palestinian people to determine their own destiny," or affect their sovereignty over their own land.
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