Lavrov: We reaffirmed our interest for our Georgian partners to join  the 3+3 promising format

ArmInfo.At a press conference following talks with Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov noted the successful launch of  the 3+3 consultative regional platform, which includes 3  Transcaucasian countries, Russia, Iran and Turkey.

"We have a common opinion that this platform opens up additional  opportunities for establishing a dialogue and developing multifaceted  cooperation between all the countries of the South Caucasus and their  neighbors. We reaffirmed our interest for our Georgian partners to   join this promising format," Lavrov said on April 8 to the press  conferences in Moscow.

It should be noted that on December 10, 2021, 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 issues 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.