Turkish FM urges regional cooperation over ambitions of dominance

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has described the 3+3 format as a “highly important” mechanism for deepening cooperation among regional countries.

“This is a very important mechanism for deepening cooperation between Türkiye, Russia, Azerbaijan, Iran, Armenia, and Georgia,” Fidan told the Türkiye newspaper.

“As countries of the region, we must prioritize cooperation over competition and ambitions of dominance. We see that this understanding is reaching a certain point in the context of recent developments in the Middle East. With the same outlook, we can strengthen our economies and increase stability in the South Caucasus and Central Asia. The pursuit of dominance must come to an end. Peace, calm, and stability will benefit everyone. We must change our understanding. The 3+3 formula will serve to facilitate significant cooperation in the Caucasus. Of course, there are obstacles. Mutual distrust between some countries has reached a serious level. On the other hand, there is also a shared aspiration,” Fidan said.

The first 3+3 meeting, a regional cooperation platform intended to include Armenia, Russia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Türkiye, and Iran, was held in December 2021. Since then, several meetings have taken place, although Georgia has repeatedly refused to participate. Despite this, the format is still referred to as 3+3.