Iranian Foreign Minister: Tensions in region are not in favor of either Azerbaijan or Armenia

ArmInfo. The situation in the South Caucasus was on the agenda of the talks between Russian and Iranian Foreign Ministers Sergei Lavrov and Hossein Abdollahian in Moscow.

As Abdollahian himself said at a press conference following the talks, special attention was paid to the situation in the Caucasus.

"We believe that the tension in the region is not in favor of either Azerbaijan or Armenia. And here we need to move towards peace and stability. At the same time, we are convinced that foreign intervention in this region and efforts for geopolitical changes are a factor for even more complication of the regional situation. Based on the foregoing, we believe that through the 3 + 3 platform and other mechanisms, without resorting to force, it is possible to resolve the existing issues in this region," the Iranian Foreign Minister said.

According to him, he and his Russian partner agreed that the next meeting of the above-mentioned regional platform could be held in Tehran, and it would contribute to peace in the South Caucasus.

The Iranian diplomat stressed once again that Tehran rejects any attempts to change the borders of the region's countries, no matter how these actions are justified. According to him, in this issue it is necessary to go through dialogue and political negotiations.

"And all parties should follow this path. Iran believes that security in this region is interconnected with other issues, and it is necessary to move in a peaceful direction and inclusive security in order to ensure the economic prosperity of the region," he concluded.

It should be noted that on December 10, 2021, the first meeting of the 3+3 consultative regional platform was held in Moscow, co-chaired by the Deputy Foreign Ministers of the Russian Federation, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Turkey and the Director General of the Iranian Foreign Ministry. The Russian Foreign Ministry noted that representatives of Georgia, who were also invited, refrained from participating in the meeting.

The Russian Foreign Ministry reported that during the meeting the prospects for the development of multifaceted regional cooperation were discussed. "It was agreed to focus the work of the platform on practical issues of interest to all its participants. Among these are confidence-building measures, cooperation in trade, economic, transport, cultural and humanitarian fields, countering common challenges and threats. Representatives of five countries expressed interest in joining the work of the Georgian platform, for which the "door" remains open". The meeting participants also discussed future work plans with "possible involvement of relevant ministries and departments," the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement. The day before the meeting, the Georgian Foreign Ministry issued a statement that Georgia would not be represented at the 3+3 meeting.