The third meeting of the “3+3” Regional Cooperation Platform was held in Istanbul on October 18 at the invitation of Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. 

Attending the meeting were Armenian FM Ararat Mirzoyan, Azerbaijani FM Jeyhun Bayramov, Irani FM Seyed Abbas Araghchi and Russian FM Sergey Lavrov.

In the meeting, the ministers:

1. Recalled the previous meetings of the “3+3” format held in Moscow and Tehran.
2. Emphasized the significance of reconvening the “3+3” Regional Cooperation Platform amidst the current complex developments that endanger regional and international peace and stability and agreed to further enhance cooperation within the “3+3” format. 
3. In light of the crucial necessity for having good neighborly relations that stem from joint endeavors to realize mutual interests, reaffirmed the importance of the peaceful settlement of disputes, respect for sovereignty, political independence, territorial integrity, inviolability of internationally recognized borders, non-interference in internal affairs, prohibition of the threat or use of force and respect for human rights, based on all the principles of the United Nations Charter.
4. In line with the primary role of the regional countries and highlighting the importance of dialogue, seizing regional cooperation opportunities, and the ability to frankly converse on prominent international issues, discussed the outstanding issues that concern the region.
5. Commended the positive dynamics in normalization and development of relations between all the countries of the region.
6. Stating the constructive role regional economic cooperation plays in regional confidence building, prosperity, and stability, which in turn benefits all the peoples of the region by providing economic and commercial development opportunities by transforming conflictual topics; agreed to further explore opportunities of cooperation in the fields of transport, communication, trade, energy, investment and connectivity.
7. Underscored the importance of cultural cooperation and people-to-people contacts with a view to encouraging joint projects in education, science, tourism, culture, and sports.
8. Concurred that bilateral talks will complement multilateral consultations towards sustainable regional peace and economic development.
9. Reiterated that the doors of the “3+3” Platform will always be open for Georgia to join.          
10. Exchanged views on the escalating situation in the Middle East and strongly condemned grave breaches of the principles of the UN Charter and international humanitarian law that could jeopardize regional peace and security, and urged for respect for international law, end to all aggressions and atrocities through immediate ceasefire, and unhindered access to humanitarian assistance for those affected.
11. Acknowledging the increase in terrorist and criminal activity in areas close to our region, expressed their commitment to cooperate against all forms and manifestations of terrorism in accordance with relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
12. Underlined the importance of the regular ministerial meetings of the “3+3” Regional Cooperation Platform, as well as consultations in the areas of common interest towards enhancing and solidifying an environment of trust and cooperation in the region.
13. Agreed that the venue and the date of the next meeting will be agreed through diplomatic channels.

İstanbul, October 18, 2024