Zarif Reiterates Iran’s Commitment to Regional Cooperation

“Cooperation in the fields of energy, transit, tourism, industry and technology can contribute to the development of all countries in the region,” the Iranian top diplomat said at a press conference following the first quadrilateral meeting with his Azerbaijani, Turkish and Georgian counterparts in Baku on March 15, according to APA news agency.

“The Persian Gulf connects Iran with the Indian Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, so we offer a more convenient route to regional countries,” he added.

Zarif also said Iran wants “bilateral, trilateral and quadrilateral cooperation to be formed.” 

Noting that Iran, Azerbaijan, Turkey and Georgia share common cultural ties, he expressed hope that the quadrilateral cooperation will open up an opportunity for broader ties.  

A joint declaration was signed at the quadrilateral meeting.

As well as Zarif, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu, Georgian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mikheil Janelidze took part in the meeting.

“The declaration will expand cooperation among the countries in several areas, including infrastructure, transport, agriculture," Mammadyarov said following the meeting.

“We are working on development of new projects,” he said. “We hope to join efforts, create and consolidate the format of cooperation that will connect the major regions of the world in a joint fruitful cooperation.”

Mammadyarov added that the next meeting in the quadrilateral format will be held in Georgia.