Lavrov: The "3+3" initiative sparked envy in the previous US  administration

ArmInfo.The cooperation format within the framework of the regional platform "3+3" sparked  envy, not doubts, in the previous US administration, as stated by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in the State Duma.  

He recalled that the "3+3" initiative was proposed jointly by the  presidents of Azerbaijan and Turkey in 2021, and was also supported  by the president of Russia. In this vein, he noted that since then,  three meetings have been held in the "3+3" format,  two of which were  at the ministerial level, with the most recent  taking place in  Turkey last October.

"From the very beginning, everyone agreed on a "3+3" format, and that  we understand the doubts and nuances of Georgia's position, but the  seat for Georgian representatives will always be in the meeting room  of this format. This was confirmed at the last meeting of ministers  with Turkey, as I mentioned. A decision was made to make this  consultative platform, well, a more or less structured organization,"  he noted.  According to Lavrov, the current leadership of Georgia  relies on the national interests of the country.  "The fact that  "3+3" is in the interests of all participants is undeniable. By the  way, this caused envy, not doubt, in the previous US administration,  which tried to promote the "3+1" format instead of the "3+3" format.  This would involve 3  Caucasian countries and, naturally, Biden's  people who would lead them," he said.

Regarding the prospects for cooperation in this format on the  parliamentary dimension, Lavrov noted that it would be very useful  and if Russian legislators come forward with such an initiative, it  will be supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.