Text of joint statement by Azerbaijani, Turkish and Iranian foreign ministers made public

Ahmet Davutoğlu, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkey, Elmar Mammadyarov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Ali Ekber Salehi, Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran, have met in Istanbul on 23 December 2010 to discuss various topics of common interest, including the issues of the southern Caucasus.

A joint statement was adopted in the meeting. The statement says:

“The Ministers,

Mindful of the strong bonds between Turkey, Iran and Azerbaijan which are deeply rooted in shared history, heritage, culture and civilization;

Stressing the unique nature of the relationship between the three countries and their peoples;

Convinced that intensified cooperation between Turkey, Iran and Azerbaijan offer further opportunities to reinforce their ties of friendship in a wide range of areas and thus, benefiting not only them but also the region as a whole,

Expressing satisfaction with the steady progress in their relationships in all spheres and underlining their readiness to further explore ways to deepen their cooperation, including in areas that would ensure shared prosperity through economic growth and sustainable development;

Reiterating their common desire to promote peace and prosperity at regional and global levels and their strong will to work together to achieve this goal;

Recognizing that the peaceful resolution of unresolved conflicts in the region will develop an environment conducive to lasting and durable peace and stability;

Underlining their strong resolve to combat terrorism, organized crime and trafficking in arms, drugs and human beings as challenges to peace and stability in the region and beyond, also hampering steps for the welfare of their peoples;

Acknowledging the necessity to join efforts to succeed in addressing these challenges;

Convinced that enhancing consultations and cooperation between the three countries at all levels shall bring about a tangible positive impact in the enhancement of regional and global peace, stability and prosperity;

Have agreed:

- In order to achieve aforementioned noble goals, that it is needed to prepare the grounds conducive to achieving peaceful resolution of the unresolved conflicts in the region based on the principle of territorial integrity.

- To continue holding consultations on a regular basis at the level of Ministers of Foreign Affairs between Turkey, Iran and Azerbaijan to discuss regional and global issues of common interest, including combatig terrorism, organized crime and trafficking in arms, drugs and human beings.

- To consider the development of joint cooperation schemes in order to enhance trilateral efforts aimed at shared prosperity, including but not limited to areas such as trade, investment, transportation, tourism, as well as environment.

The Ministers have also agreed to hold regular trilateral meetings. The next meeting will be held in the Islamic Republic of Iran.”


/AzerTAc/