On October 23, in Tehran, upon invitation of the Iranian side, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan participated in the regional consultative platform («3+3»), which was also attended by the Foreign Ministers of Iran, Russia, Azerbaijan and Turkey.

During the meeting Foreign Minister of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan noted that there are problems, very complicated problems and there is a history, but these issues need to be addressed otherwise, the region is doomed to remain in the past. Minister Mirzoyan added that settlement of current issues may ensure a cooperative environment in the region as an important guarantee for development.

Emphasising that it will not be possible to implement future plans if the red lines of regional coexistence defined by international law are not respected by all, MInister Mirzoyan indicated that the goals and principles of the United Nation Charter and in particular the exclusion of the use of force and the threat of force, the principles of territorial integrity, sovereignty, inviolability of borders and the protection of fundamental human rights should be the guidelines. “Moreover, it is important to adhere to these principles both in our actions and in our rhetoric. In conditions of aggressive and threatening rhetoric, it is difficult to imagine the creation of a favorable environment, which will allow the implementation of ambitious regional projects. Armenia, for its part, is loyal to those principles.” - Ararat Mirzoyan emphasised in his speech.

Referring to the agreement reached during the previous meeting in December 2021, that these consultations will not turn into a platform to discuss the conflicts, but rather will mostly focus on joint economic and development agendas, Minister Mirzoyan noted that Armenia values regional cooperation in economy, logistics, energy, water resources management, protection of cultural heritage and other areas.

Touching upon the unblocking of regional infrastructure Foreign Minister of Armenia noted: “The Republic of Armenia, being a landlocked country, is interested in the unblocking and further development of all infrastructure in the region. Based on the principles of sovereignty and jurisdiction of states, reciprocity and equality of countries the Republic of Armenia is ready to become 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 “crossroad of peace” for all of us.”

Minister Mirzoyan noted in his remarks that Armenia gives importance especially to the process of integrating railway infrastructures, through the construction or re-operation of the necessary infrastructures in particular. The Republic of Armenia is interested in having a railway connection with Iran, Russia and Central Asia through the territory of Azerbaijan, based on the principle of reciprocity providing access to the railway passing through its territory for other regional countries, as well as for other international passage. In this context, the reopening of the Gyumri-Kars railway, as well as the passage of a branch of the North-South project through the territory of Armenia, is of no less important.