On October 23, RA Minister of Foreign Affairs Ararat Mirzoyan, at the invitation of the Iranian side, participated in the meeting in the format of the regional consultation platform (“3+3”) in Tehran, in which the foreign ministers of Iran, Russia, Azerbaijan, and Turkey also participated.
At the meeting, RA Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan noted that there are problems, very complex problems, there is a history, and these problems must be addressed. Otherwise, the region will be condemned to remain in the past forever. Minister Mirzoyan added that settling existing problems can provide a cooperative atmosphere in the region as an essential guarantee of development.
Emphasizing that it will not be possible to implement the plans for the future if everyone does not respect the red lines of regional coexistence defined by international law, Ararat Mirzoyan mentioned the goals and principles of the UN Charter and, in particular, the exclusion of the use of force and the threat of force, the territorial integrity and sovereignty of states as a guideline. , the principles of the inseparability of borders, and the protection of fundamental human rights. “In addition, it is important to adhere to these principles both in our actions and in the rhetoric of each of us. In the conditions of aggressive and threatening rhetoric, it is difficult to imagine creating a favorable atmosphere that will allow the implementation of ambitious regional projects. For its part, Armenia is loyal to these principles,” Ararat Mirzoyan emphasized in his speech.
Referring to the agreement reached during the previous meeting held in December 2021, that these consultations will not turn into a platform for discussing conflicts but will primarily focus on joint economic and development agendas, Minister Mirzoyan noted that Armenia values regional cooperation in economy, logistics, energy, water resources management, preservation of cultural heritage and other fields.
Referring to the unblocking of regional infrastructures, the head of the RA Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted. “The Republic of Armenia, being a landlocked state, is interested in the unblocking and further developing all regional infrastructures. Based on respect for the sovereignty and jurisdiction of states, reciprocity, and equality, the Republic of Armenia is ready to become a part of regional infrastructure projects. We believe that the intersection of north-south and east-west transportation routes in our region, including the sovereign territory of Armenia, can become a unique “crossroads of peace” for all of us.
In his speech, Minister Mirzoyan noted that RA attaches particular importance to integrating railway infrastructures, including through the construction or reactivation of necessary infrastructures. The Republic of Armenia is interested in having a railway connection with Iran, Russia, and Central Asia through the territory of Azerbaijan, ensuring access to the railway passing through its territory for other regional countries, as well as other international crossings, on the principle of reciprocity. In this context, the reopening of the Gyumri-Kars railway and the passage of a branch of the North-South project through the territory of Armenia is no less critical.
