Baku calls for stronger regional cooperation to leverage untapped potential
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POLITICS  24 October 2023 - 09:10

Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan Jeyhun Bayramov took part in the first ministerial meeting in the “3+3” format of regional consultations, which took place on October 23 in Iran's capital Tehran.

In his speech at the meeting, Bayramov said the "3+3" format was created with the aim of considering ways to resolve regional problems by countries in the region, Caliber.Az reports the Foreign Ministry's press service as saying.

He said the platform has significant potential to complement existing bilateral and other cooperation formats, enhance security and stability in the region, and unlock untapped potential for economic growth and progress.

Bayramov also emphasized the importance of mutual respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity and inviolability of borders, as well as non-interference in the internal affairs of other states as the cornerstone of joint cooperation between the countries of the region.

According to him, the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway project with the participation of Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Türkiye, as well as the North-Transport South corridor with the participation of Russia, Azerbaijan, and Iran, and the trilateral format of cooperation between Azerbaijan-Iran-Türkiye clearly demonstrated that they serve for the benefit of not only one state but also all countries in the region.

Bayramov noted that the positive impact of these initiatives is not limited to the countries of one region, but covers a wider geography given the importance of strengthening regional ties not only for the development of transport and transit but also for the effective use of the huge potential in such areas such as energy security and energy.

The Azerbaijani minister added that strong ties between the countries of the region bring not only economic benefits; they are no less important in terms of promoting positive interdependence and, as a consequence, promoting peace and stability.

Bayramov mentioned also efforts aimed at creating transport communications between the East Zangezur economic region of Azerbaijan and the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic through the territory of the Islamic Republic of Iran, noting that the speedy completion of the construction of infrastructure projects and the commissioning of transport routes will serve as mutually beneficial cooperation between the two states in our region, and will also create a new corridor that will increase transport and transit potential in Eurasia.

He said the end of the occupation of Azerbaijani territories and the complete restoration of sovereignty has opened up new prospects for the normalisation of relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia. Bayramov stated that the normalisation of relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia on the basis of mutual recognition and respect for each other's sovereignty, territorial integrity and inviolability of each other's borders will not only serve the interests of both countries but will also develop the current untapped potential for cooperation and progress.

“We expect reciprocal steps and a constructive approach from Armenia to quickly resolve issues within the framework of the peace agreement and hope that this unique opportunity will not be missed again,” Bayramov stated.

He once again emphasized the fair position of Azerbaijan, which made peace proposals to Armenia based on equality and mutual respect for legitimate interests.

20:06 / 23.10.2023

Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov made a statement at a meeting of foreign ministers in the 3+3 format in Tehran.

Caliber.Az reports, citing a post of the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry on the social network X.

Jeyhun Bayramov emphasized the need for pragmatic, result-oriented and mutually respectful cooperation between the countries of the region.

Caliber.Az