Iran Underlines Trilateral Cooperation with Russia, Azerbaijan
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iranian President Hassan Rouhani called for a trilateral format of cooperation between Tehran, Moscow and Baku, saying such partnership serves the interests of the three sides and will also help deal with the regional challenges.
Speaking at a meeting with his Russian and Azeri counterparts in Baku on Monday evening, President Rouhani stressed that collaboration among Iran, Russia and Azerbaijan is not going to be against any other party, but will only provide a framework for “negotiations focused on the enhancement of regional cooperation among the three countries.”
According to the his official website, President Rouhani voiced Tehran’s support for “any proposal and initiative for boosting interaction and cooperation with the neighbors,” adding, “Based on principles of the Islamic Republic of Iran’s foreign policy, developing ties with neighboring countries is a priority for us and Iran welcomes any proposal and initiative for boosting interaction and cooperation with its neighbors”.
“Without a doubt, holding such meetings in the current conditions of the region and the world, relying on good relations among the three countries and the current resolve to deepen and cement ties, is very important”, he added.
“We believe that in the current conditions of the world, no country can make the best use of opportunities and deal with challenges. Achieving an acceptable level of peace, welfare and development for the people of any country needs interaction and cooperation with other countries, especially neighboring countries,” President Rouhani noted.
He also pointed to the cultural and religious commonalities among the three countries, saying such commonalities along with the historical interests create good opportunities for closer ties.
“On the other hand, terrorism and extremism, trans-regional powers’ interference in the affairs of countries of the region, political and instrumental use of economic sanctions for advancing political goals, environmental issues and challenges, drugs, separatism, organized crimes, cybercrimes and so on, are common challenges that need to be dealt with through interaction and cooperation among the three countries,” he explained.
He further hailed the idea of joint meetings, saying such gatherings can help the three countries use opportunities to enhance ties in various political, cultural and economic fields and resolve regional challenges through synergy.
“Therefore, I am proud to propose that the next meeting of this high-ranking summit be held in the Islamic Republic of Iran at the level of ministers and officials,” Rouhani concluded.
