The key issues of the South Caucasus should be resolved by the countries of the region and their immediate neighbors, without external interference. Mikhail Kalugin, Director of the Fourth CIS Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) of Russia, stated this in an interview with RIA Novosti.

According to him, the “3+3” platform for regional cooperation—which unites Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Russia, Iran, and Turkey—has significant potential for strengthening stability and economic development in the South Caucasus.

“It is quite logical that the region, which positions itself as an important link in the system of Eurasian routes, should be concerned about ensuring stability and development,” Kalugin said.

In his opinion, this can be achieved through the interaction of the countries of the South Caucasus and their immediate neighbors, and based on the principle of regional responsibility. “To solve the main problems together, without any externally imposed ‘recipes,’” the Russian diplomat added.

Kalugin considered the main advantage of the “3+3” format to be its unifying agenda. According to him, its participants can cooperate in practical domains, including transport, logistics, energy, telecommunications, culture, and education. Also, the Russian diplomat announced that Georgia can join the work of this platform at any time.