ArmInfo.If the Baku-Tbilisi-Yerevan trilateral dialogue contributes to the settlement of contradictions in the Transcaucasus, strengthening stability and security in the region, then we only welcome it. Official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry, Maria Zakharova, announced this on February 10 at a briefing.
At the same time, the Russian diplomat recalled that Moscow has repeatedly said that each country is free to participate in those international formats that meet its interests, that are not directed against third countries and that take into account the existing, established balance of power. She noted that this position is known to Russia's partners, as it has been repeatedly voiced.
"If the outlines of Washington and Brussels are somehow visible behind this initiative, which seek to undermine the implementation of the trilateral agreements between the leaders of Russia, Armenia and Azerbaijan, then this is something else entirely," she said.
In this vein, Zakharova recalled that trilateral agreements are the basis for the normalization of relations between Baku and Yerevan.
"With this format, the key processes of unblocking regional communications, demarcation of the Armenian-Azerbaijani border, drafting a peace treaty, as well as establishing contacts between civil society representatives of the two countries have been launched since 2020. As for more exclusive and inclusive formats of cooperation in the Transcaucasus, then there is a 3+3 regional consultative platform . It just includes the three Transcaucasian states, as well as their neighbors - Russia, Iran and Turkey. This mechanism allows us to combine the interests of an even wider range of countries in the region. This, among other things, should work and to smooth out contradictions between them, including those of common interest - the development of transport, economic, cultural and humanitarian ties, the fight against common challenges and threats," the diplomat said.
According to her, Moscow notes the significant potential of the "3+3" platform to support the Armenian- Azerbaijani normalization process.
It should be noted that on December 10, the first meeting of the 3+3 consultative regional platform was held in Moscow, co-chaired by the Deputy Foreign Ministers of the Russian Federation, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Turkey and the Director General of the Iranian Foreign Ministry. The Russian Foreign Ministry noted that representatives of Georgia, who were also invited, refrained from participating in the meeting.
The Russian Foreign Ministry reported that during the meeting the prospects for the development of multifaceted regional cooperation were discussed. "It was agreed to focus the work of the platform on practical issues of interest to all its participants. Among these are confidence-building measures, cooperation in trade, economic, transport, cultural and humanitarian fields, countering common challenges and threats. Representatives of five countries expressed interest in joining the work of the Georgian platform, for which the "door" remains open". The meeting participants also discussed future work plans with "possible involvement of relevant ministries and departments," the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement. The day before the meeting, the Georgian Foreign Ministry issued a statement that Georgia would not be represented at the 3+3 meeting.