Hakan Fidan emphasizes Azerbaijan-Armenia: 'Comprehensive peace'

Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan spoke in Tehran, the capital of Iran, where he arrived to attend the South Caucasus Regional Cooperation Platform meeting for the Establishment of Permanent Peace and Stability, held in the 3+3 format with the participation of the foreign ministers of Turkey, Russia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan.

NECESSITY OF COOPERATION AND FRIENDSHIP

Stating that the summit held in Tehran shows that regional countries can solve their own problems through regional dialogue, Fidan said, "This formation is also important in terms of showing the international community that regional countries can solve their own problems themselves. It is gratifying that the obstacles to cooperation and friendship in the region are being removed."

Minister Fidan stated that Turkey is in favor of solving regional problems through dialogue to ensure lasting peace in the Caucasus, adding, "The path to regional peace and stability lies through a comprehensive peace agreement to be signed between Azerbaijan and Armenia."

EMPHASIS ON RECOGNITION OF KARABAKH AS AZERBAIJANI TERRITORY

Speaking at the meeting, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian stated that they support peace talks between Azerbaijan and Armenia in the South Caucasus, saying, "We see the mutual recognition of territorial integrity by the two countries as an important step toward reaching a peace agreement. Likewise, we see the recognition of Karabakh as Azerbaijani territory by Armenia and Azerbaijan's recognition of the rights and security of those living there as important developments."

''THE PATH TO A SOLUTION IS DIALOGUE AND NEGOTIATION''

Noting that Iran is against any step that would cause border changes in the South Caucasus, Amir-Abdollahian said, "We believe that the path to a solution is dialogue and negotiation. The Caucasus should not turn into an area of competition and pressure for different powers. Otherwise, there will be no stability and peace in the region. In this sense, we must ensure the security of the region through regional cooperation."