Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi spoke with Russia Today about the situation in the South Caucasus and Russian-Iranian cooperation.
“Our policy in the Caucasus region is coordinated; we constantly consult with each other. We have recently launched an initiative that represents three countries on the one hand: Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Armenia—and three countries on the other: Iran, Turkey, and Russia. The sessions of this mechanism have been held, but our friends in Georgia still have some doubts. I hope that these doubts will be resolved during future meetings. The common position of Iran and Russia is that the problems of this region can be solved only with the participation of the region’s countries,” he said.
According to Araghchi, the presence of foreign troops will not contribute to the security of this region. “Rather, it will be harmful. That is why we believe that the problems of the Caucasus countries can be resolved within the framework of the “3+3″ format and bilateral consultations,” he emphasized.
The Iranian Foreign Minister also touched upon the peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan, noting that they support the deal and believe its signing will enter a new regional phase.
“Iran and Russia are happy about the agreement on the peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan. We hope that it will be signed soon. We believe this agreement will open a new page in the region, and economic, political, etc. ties will take a clearer shape,” the minister added.
