Outcomes of the 3+3 Platform Meeting in Istanbul

On October 18, 2024, the third meeting of the '3+3' regional cooperation platform took place in Istanbul, hosted by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, with the participation of Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, and Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi. This information was provided by the Armenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

During the meeting, the ministers:

1. Cited previous meetings held in Moscow and Tehran under the '3+3' format.
2. Emphasized the importance of holding another meeting of the '3+3' regional cooperation platform in the context of current complex developments that threaten regional and international peace and stability, and agreed to continue cooperation within the '3+3' framework.
3. Reaffirmed the importance of peaceful resolution of disputes, respect for sovereignty, political independence, territorial integrity, inviolability of internationally recognized borders, non-interference in internal affairs, prohibition of the use or threat of force, and respect for human rights, based on all principles of the United Nations Charter, given the crucial need for friendly relations stemming from joint efforts towards mutual interests.
4. Addressed unresolved issues concerning the region, stressing the primary role of regional countries and the importance of dialogue, while making use of regional cooperation opportunities and the ability to engage in candid discussions on key international issues.
5. Expressed satisfaction regarding the positive dynamics of the normalization and development of relations among all countries in the region.
6. Recognized the constructive role of regional economic cooperation in building regional trust, prosperity, and stability, which in turn benefits all peoples of the region by transforming conflict themes into opportunities for economic and trade development, and agreed to continue exploring collaboration opportunities in transportation, communication, trade, energy, investment, and connectivity.
7. Emphasized the importance of cultural cooperation and people-to-people contacts through joint projects in education, science, tourism, culture, and sports.
8. Agreed that bilateral negotiations would complement multilateral consultations aimed at sustainable regional peace and economic development.
9. Reaffirmed that the doors of the '3+3' platform will always remain open for Georgia's joining.
10. Exchanged views regarding the escalating situation in the Middle East, strongly condemning gross violations of the principles of the UN Charter and international humanitarian law that could threaten regional peace and security, and called for the respect of international law, an immediate ceasefire, and unhindered humanitarian access for victims to end all aggression and atrocities.
11. Acknowledging the rise of terrorist and criminal activities in areas near our region, committed to cooperating against all forms and manifestations of terrorism in accordance with relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
12. Highlighted the importance of regular ministerial meetings of the '3+3' regional cooperation platform and consultations in sectors of common interest to reinforce an environment of trust and cooperation in the region.
13. Agreed that the location and date of the next meeting would be coordinated through diplomatic channels.

The Foreign Ministers of the Republic of Armenia, the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Islamic Republic of Iran, and the Russian Federation expressed gratitude to the Foreign Minister of the Republic of Turkey for the warm reception and the successful conduct of the meeting.