The first meeting of the ministers of foreign affairs of Iran, Russia, Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Armenia in the form of a 3+3 meeting under the title "The turn of peace, cooperation and progress in the South Caucasus" was held in Tehran. Georgia did not attend this meeting due to its border disputes with Russia. Regarding the importance of this meeting in stabilizing peace and security as well as strengthening cooperation in the Caucasus, the following points are noteworthy.

1. Holding this meeting after the constructive approach of the Republics of Azerbaijan and Armenia in accepting each other's territorial integrity and not changing the international borders is considered an important and necessary action. The realistic decisions of these two countries led to the return of Nagorno-Karabakh to the Republic of Azerbaijan, the removal of the shadow of war from Syunik Province in Armenia, and the establishment of a foundation for the rights of the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh. At the same time, the multilateral meeting in Tehran, aimed at stabilizing peace and strengthening cooperation between neighbors, is considered an important diplomatic initiative. The fact is that the participating countries, in addition to the advantage of neighboring countries due to their political, economic, and cultural capacities, can increase regional interactions and frustrate the extra-regional powers that seek to achieve their goals by interfering in the Caucasus.
2. The cooperation of the countries present in the meeting, especially in economic fields such as trade, energy, and transportation, has not only strengthened mutual trust but will lead the process of conflicts and differences between countries to friendship and cooperation. The Islamic Republic of Iran, by accepting the construction of the railway line of the Republic of Azerbaijan from the territory of Iran and at the Aras crossing, has provided the possibility of the railway access of the Republic of Azerbaijan from Aghband to Nakhchivan. With its positive participation, it has taken an important step towards resolving regional disputes. During the past years, Iran generously opened transportation routes for the Republic of Azerbaijan and Armenia, as well as Turkey, and announced in this meeting that it will continue to use its geopolitical position to strengthen stability in the region.
3. One of the focal points of the 3+3 negotiations in Tehran was the continuation of peace talks between Azerbaijan and Armenia and the resolution of the remaining disputes, especially in the delimitation and determination of the border points of the two countries. If Baku and Yerevan are willing, the Islamic Republic of Iran can cooperate with the two countries as a trusted advisor based on its legal and technical experience. Certainly, speeding up the resolution of these disputes is an important step towards the normalization of relations between the Republics of Azerbaijan and Armenia and the strengthening of constructive interactions between these two countries.
4. The existence of differences among the countries of the 3+3 group cannot prevent the active participation of these countries in this format, and there is no doubt that the presence of Georgia in future meetings will complete the cooperation process and strengthen friendship. Currently, Turkey has differences with Armenia, Azerbaijan with Armenia, and Russia with Armenia, but these differences have not prevented their active participation in this meeting. The main objective of such meetings is to create regional integration and reduce differences between neighboring countries, and Georgia can also secure its national interests with its active presence.
5. The valuable action of this meeting was to pay attention to the sufferings of the Palestinian people and the crimes of the Zionist regime against civilians, especially women, and children, which shows the common approach of the 3+3 group in supporting the people of Gaza and quickly stopping the bombing of the defenseless people.

In general, the initiative of the Islamic Republic of Iran to invite the ministers of foreign affairs of the 3+3 group, which was welcomed by these countries, was a valuable action to stabilize peace and strengthen cooperation among neighbors. From now on, all the participating countries should feel responsible for the continuation of friendship and security in the Caucasus. Naturally, the follow-up of agreements and the continuation of these meetings can draw a clear vision for the future of this region.

Mohsen Pakayin, an expert in international relations

 (The opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of the IPIS)