Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Iran and Turkey could play a pivotal role in promoting peace in the region and ensuring international security.

During a joint news conference with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in Istanbul on Saturday, Araghchi highlighted significant negotiations that took place during the 3+3 Summit concerning the South Caucasus.

“Constructive bilateral talks were held between Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and I. The Islamic Republic of Iran and the Republic of Turkey are the two important countries in the region and Islamic world, which enjoy friendly and brotherly relations dating back for many centuries,” Araghchi noted.

He emphasized that by strengthening their cooperation, Iran and Turkey could significantly contribute to the spread of peace and development in the region, as well as enhance security on the international stage.

Araghchi also referred to the recent 3+3 summit, stating, “Following the first meeting that was held in Tehran last year, the 3rd meeting was successfully held in Istanbul with the participation of foreign ministers of Russia, the Republic of Azerbaijan, and Armenia.”

Turkey says 'Israel' actions pushing Iran to take ‘legitimate steps’

Israeli attacks in Lebanon and Gaza are pushing Iran to take “legitimate steps”, Turkey’s Foreign minister said Saturday, in an apparent show of support for Tehran’s October 1 missile attack on "Israel".

“Israel’s aggressive stance is forcing Iran to take legitimate steps,” Hakan Fidan said at a joint press conference in Istanbul with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi.

In detail, the Iranian and Turkish foreign ministers shared views on advancing their relationship and enhancing bilateral cooperation across various sectors. They also addressed significant regional issues and developments, particularly the actions and assaults of the Israeli entity in Gaza and Lebanon.

Furthermore, the participating countries stressed the importance of peace and stability in the region and the Caucasus, expressing their opposition to the presence of extra-regional powers and players that contribute to instability.

Dive deeper

The second 3+3 meeting took place last year in Tehran and included the foreign ministers of Russia, Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Armenia. The meeting focused on discussing issues within the South Caucasus region and exploring ways to enhance regional cooperation across political, economic, security, transit, and energy sectors.

One of the main objectives of forming this regional group is to address local issues through the participation of regional countries, free from the interference of extra-regional and Western nations.

Leading a delegation, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Istanbul as part of his regional diplomatic tour and participated in the 3+3 mechanism meeting. Prior to Istanbul, he had visited Jordan and Egypt to consult with senior officials regarding recent regional developments, particularly the Israeli genocide in Gaza and the ongoing aggression on Lebanon.

Araghchi’s regional tour, aimed at halting the Israeli entity's actions in Lebanon and Gaza, has included visits to Lebanon, Syria, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Iraq, and Oman, making Istanbul the ninth stop on his tour amid rising regional tensions.