Lavrov: Armenia seeks direct dialogue with Türkiye to normalise relations

Armenia is looking to engage directly with Türkiye to normalise relations, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated during a press conference in Istanbul following a meeting of the regional platform "3+3."

According to Lavrov, Russia has actively facilitated the initiation of this dialogue, with Iran also joining the efforts; however, no meetings are currently scheduled, Caliber.Az reports.

"The Armenian colleagues have decided to take a pause. They believe it is necessary to communicate directly with the Turks to understand what needs to be done," Lavrov remarked.

The Russian minister highlighted that the normalisation of relations between Yerevan and Ankara is inherently linked to the negotiations between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

He proposed that these issues should be discussed collectively to encourage the involved nations to reach agreements promptly.

Lavrov concluded by stating that both Russia and Iran are prepared to provide assistance, should there be interest from the direct participants in the discussions.

Notably, the “3+3” format for regional cooperation, proposed by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, aims to enhance trade and economic relations between Türkiye, Russia, Iran, Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Georgia.

On December 10, 2021, precisely one year after Erdoğan’s announcement, the inaugural working meeting of the “3+3” was convened in Moscow at the level of Deputy Foreign Ministers.

The second summit of foreign ministers from Azerbaijan, Türkiye, Armenia, Iran, and Russia in the “3+3” format occurred in Tehran on October 24, 2023.

By Aghakazim Guliyev