Mikhail Kalugin: Russia interested in preserving the '3+3' format

Russia remains interested in continuing cooperation within the 3+3 format in the South Caucasus and hopes for the platform's full resumption as soon as possible, Mikhail Kalugin, Director of the 4th CIS Department at the Russian Foreign Ministry, Report informs via TASS.

He emphasized that the 3+3 format – involving Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia, Russia, Iran, and Türkiye – is an important mechanism for building cooperation between South Caucasus states and their close neighbors, based on the principle of regional responsibility.

Kalugin noted that due to several objective reasons, including the situation around Iran, there has been a pause in organizing the next ministerial meeting: "Nevertheless, interest in continuing cooperation remains. We are eagerly awaiting the full resumption of the platform's activities."

He clarified that the principle of regional responsibility means coordinating mutually beneficial projects that serve the interests of all regional players, without external pressure or imposed agendas:

"The issue is to avoid dividing lines and refrain from actions harmful to any country in the region. Only on this basis can security, economic prosperity, and genuine lasting peace in the South Caucasus be ensured."

Kalugin also recalled that the platform's founding meeting took place in Moscow in December 2021, initiated by Azerbaijan and Türkiye. In October 2023, foreign ministers held a joint meeting in Tehran, while in October 2024, ministers met in Istanbul, agreeing to begin discussions on cooperation in transport, energy, and culture.

He underlined that the South Caucasus is of vital importance for Russia.