MFA: Moscow expects swift launch of “3+3” South Caucasus format

Russia expects the “3+3” regional cooperation format on the South Caucasus to resume full operations as soon as possible, Mikhail Kalugin, an official from the Russian Foreign Ministry, has stated.

In an interview with TASS, he said Russia remains interested in continuing contacts within this framework and hopes for the swift restoration of its full-scale activity, Caliber.Az reports.

The “3+3” format includes Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia, as well as Russia, Iran, and Türkiye, and is presented as a mechanism for regional cooperation based on the principle of “regional responsibility.”

Kalugin noted that the platform’s work had been suspended for several reasons, including the situation surrounding Iran, but stressed that interest in continued engagement remains.

“We expect the platform to resume full-fledged work as soon as possible,” he added.

He explained that the principle of “regional responsibility” involves coordinating mutually beneficial and forward-looking projects that reflect the interests of all regional actors, with decisions made without external pressure or an externally imposed agenda.

“The idea is not to draw dividing lines or work to the detriment of any country in the region. Only on this basis is it possible to ensure security and economic prosperity, and genuine, long-term peace in the South Caucasus,” he said.

Kalugin recalled that the inaugural meeting of the format was held in Moscow in 2021, with Azerbaijan and Türkiye as initiators.

Subsequent rounds of talks took place in Tehran in 2023 and Istanbul in 2024, focusing on transport, energy, and cultural cooperation.

He also stated that Russia maintains its position in the South Caucasus and argued that external actors would not be able to replace its role in regional security and economic affairs.

In this context, he made it clear that preparations are underway to launch an expert-level “track” to discuss key and problematic issues within the “3+3” framework, involving leading political analysts from member countries, including Georgia.

“Russia’s interests in the South Caucasus are unwavering. Despite ‘flowery rhetoric,’ the West cannot and will not be able in the foreseeable future to replace Russia either in security or in the economy,” Kalugin emphasised.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov