Next 3+3 format meeting on Transcaucasia possible in next few months, diplomat says
The next meeting of the 3+3 regional cooperation platform involving Azerbaijan, Armenia and Georgia as well as Russia, Turkey and Iran may be held in the next few months, a senior Russian diplomat told TASS.
"Work is currently underway to arrange a second 3+3 format meeting. We expect that it will take place in coming months," head of the Russian Foreign Ministry’s Fourth CIS Department Denis Gonchar said in an interview. "Judging by the mood of all participants, an invitation [to such a meeting] may be sent from Georgia," he hinted.
The Russia diplomat said Moscow believed this platform was needed to expand mutually advantageous cooperation between the participating countries.
According to Gonchar, Russia attaches particular significance to developing the region’s transport potential through restoration of transportation routes. "Potential joint efforts in projects to upgrade both transport and energy infrastructure are of great interest," he explained. "Such cooperation would contribute to fostering trust in the region by establishing multilateral regional ties and serve as a pillar in efforts to help return Armenia’s relations with Azerbaijan and Turkey back to normal," he concluded.