Zakharova: If Baku-Tbilisi-Yerevan dialogue contributes to settlement  of contradictions in Transcaucasus, then we only welcome it

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.