The third meeting of the "3+3" Regional Cooperation Platform took place in Istanbul on 18 October 2024, hosted by H.E. Mr. Hakan Fidan, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Türkiye. Attendees included H.E. Mr. Ararat Mirzoyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia; H.E. Mr. Jeyhun Bayramov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan; H.E. Mr. Seyed Abbas Araghchi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Iran; and H.E. Mr. Sergey Lavrov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia.

According to the Joint Communique released by the Armenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, during 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 region's countries.
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."

The sides also agreed that the venue and the date of the next meeting will be agreed through diplomatic channels.

The Foreign Ministers of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Iran, and Russia thanked the Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs for the good reception and successful holding of this meeting.

Armenian and Azerbaijani Foreign Ministers Hold Peace Talks in Istanbul

On the sidelines of the “3+3” regional consultative platform, Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan and Azerbaijani counterpart Jeyhun Bayramov held a meeting in Istanbul, the Armenian Foreign Ministry reports. The talk lasted 55 minutes, the Editor-in-chief of the Istanbul-based “Zhamanak” daily stated.

The two Ministers continued discussions on the Agreement on Peace and the Establishment of Interstate Relations, agreeing to intensify efforts to finalize and conclude the agreement as soon as possible.

Both Parties expressed their appreciation for Türkiye’s hospitality.

Armenia, Iran Reaffirm Commitment to Regional Connectivity in Istanbul Talks

In Istanbul, Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan also met with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi during the Ministerial session of the “3+3” regional platform.

The two Ministers discussed a range of issues aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation between Armenia and Iran. They also exchanged views on regional security matters, with a focus on ensuring stability in the South Caucasus. This included discussions on the Armenia-Azerbaijan normalization process and the importance of finalizing a peace treaty.

Both Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to unblocking regional economic and transport routes while upholding respect for sovereignty and jurisdiction.

Armenian and Turkish Foreign Ministers Discuss Normalization Efforts in Istanbul

As informed by the Armenian Foreign Ministry, Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan met with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan.

The two ministers discussed key bilateral issues and the ongoing dialogue between Armenia and Türkiye aimed at fully normalizing relations. Minister Mirzoyan emphasized the importance of implementing agreements reached during the normalization process.

They also exchanged views on broader regional developments.

Ahead of the 3+3 meeting in Istanbul, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated that Türkiye believes establishing a historical and formal peace with Armenia will create a pathway for lasting stability, prosperity, and development in the region, according to Anadolu news agency.

He highlighted that the discussions will address the Armenia-Azerbaijan issue and broader matters concerning the entire Caucasus region. Fidan emphasized Ankara’s approach to the platform and regional initiatives through the lens of “regional ownership,” advocating for regional countries to collaboratively address their challenges rather than waiting for a hegemonic power to intervene. He reiterated their conviction that a “historical and formal peace with Armenia will genuinely pave the way for irreversible stability, prosperity, and development in the region.”

Armenia's FM Promotes "Crossroads of Peace" Initiative at Istanbul's 3+3 Talks

During the 3+3 Ministerial session held in Istanbul, Armenia’s Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan underscored the importance of regional engagement and dialogue for promoting cooperation and stability. Emphasizing Armenia's commitment to revitalizing trade and economic ties, Mirzoyan stressed the need for inclusiveness in regional initiatives as a foundation for overcoming challenges and achieving shared prosperity.

Mirzoyan also reiterated Armenia’s strong interest in unblocking economic and transport routes in the region. He referred to the “Crossroads of Peace” initiative, introduced by the Armenian Prime Minister, which aims to enhance connectivity through the development of infrastructure such as roads, railways, and pipelines, based on principles of sovereignty, jurisdiction, equality, and reciprocity. The initiative has garnered positive feedback from several partners, including Iran.

Additionally, Mirzoyan highlighted Armenia's active efforts in constructing the North-South highway and developing border and customs procedures. He also noted the progress made with Türkiye on reopening transport links, including the finalization of Armenia's Margara border checkpoint and plans to assess the technical feasibility of the Gyumri-Kars railway.

“With this vision in mind, as you are all aware, we have proposed to Azerbaijan modalities of relaunching our rail infrastructure, simplifying border crossing and customs procedures, and ensuring some additional security mechanisms with full respect for the sovereignty and jurisdiction of both countries,” he outlined.

In his remarks, the Minister reaffirmed Armenia’s dedication to fostering regional cooperation in line with the principles of the UN Charter, particularly sovereignty, territorial integrity, and respect for internationally recognized borders.

Russia Advocates 3+3 Platform as Pathway to Armenia-Azerbaijan Peace

At a press conference following the ministerial meeting of the 3+3 South Caucasus regional consultative platform in Istanbul, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov announced that Armenia wants to engage directly with Turkey to normalize relations.

Lavrov noted that Russia played an active role in initiating this process, with Iran also participating; however, no specific meetings are currently planned. He explained that Armenia decided to take a step back, believing it is essential to directly communicate with Turkey to determine the next steps.

“The normalization of Yerevan-Ankara relations is in any case related to the Armenian-Azerbaijani [peace] negotiations. So, it was proposed at the meeting to comprehensively discuss these issues and to encourage the involved countries to reach an agreement as quickly as possible,” Lavrov added.

While summarizing the outcomes of the Ministerial meeting in Istanbul, the Russian FM also announced that Russia, Türkiye, and Iran suggested that Armenia and Azerbaijan use the “3+3” platform to finalize their peace treaty.

“We (Russia), along with the Turks and Iranians, have proposed to our partners, Yerevan and Baku, to use the 3+3 platform to complete the work on the peace treaty,” Sergey Lavrov noted.

He noted that the meeting also revisited the groundwork and progress made through trilateral efforts involving Russia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan.

Read also: Turkey to Host Third "3+3" Meeting with Azerbaijan, Armenia, Russia, and Iran