The Turkish, Azerbaijani and Iranian foreign ministers are planning to meet on March 7 in the Nakhichevan Autonomous Republic in Azerbaijan as part of a series of meetings regularly held between the three states.

Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov and Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi are reportedly planning to discuss issues of common interest to all three states. The foreign ministers are aiming to implement joint projects for peace and prosperity in the region.

March 7’s discussions will follow a number of meetings between the foreign ministers to discuss regional issues, including the peaceful settlement of ongoing, explosive conflicts in the region and the need to build a favorable climate to achieve this.

Nakhichevan is a territory located at the intersection of four countries -- Turkey, Azerbaijan, Armenia and Iran. Dilucu border gate, which provides access to Nakhichevan from Turkey, is particularly significant. Having paid a visit to the Dilucu border gate last year Davutoğlu highlighted the importance of the crossing, saying, “Achieving peace and stability in the Caucasus will make this gate [Dilucu] one of the most important places in Asia.”

“Lasting peace in this land will bring blessings,” Davutoglu said, adding: “Regional stability will benefit Armenia as well. However, without solving the problem of the occupation of Azerbaijani lands by the Armenian armed forces this will be impossible.”

Whether the ministers will visit the Dilucu Border Gate is not yet known.

During the meeting the current situation in the South Caucasus is also expected to come to the fore. The three states are going to discuss ways to deepen cooperation over building prosperity through economic growth and sustainable development. Moreover, Turkey, Azerbaijan and Iran are willing to consolidate their cooperation in the fight against terrorism, organized crime and the trafficking of people, drugs and weapons.

Iran asks Azerbaijan to account for military purchase from Israel

The Iranian administration has summoned Cavanşir Ahundzade, Azerbaijani ambassador to Iran, to provide clarification over Azerbaijan’s recent $1.6 billion weapons purchase from Israel. During the meeting with Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Erakçı, Ahundzade said the aim is to liberate the occupied territories of Azerbaijan [Nagorno-Karabakh and seven adjacent territories], rather than use those arms against a third country, including Iran. Ahundzade also mentioned that Azerbaijan is committed to improving bilateral relations between Azerbaijan and Iran.
 
 
Today’s Zaman
 
 
05.03.2012