It Will Be Difficult to Participate in This Format Together with Russia: Georgian Foreign Minister on the '3+3' Format

Georgian Foreign Minister Davit Zalkaliani has commented on Georgia's participation in the '3+3' format. TASS reports that Zalkaliani stated that it would be difficult for their country to participate in this format alongside Russia.

“At the same time, Tbilisi needs to engage in significant geopolitical projects in some capacity. It is essential that we do not lag behind the processes developing in the region and that we participate in all new, even infrastructural projects. Otherwise, these could bypass Georgia, resulting in Georgia potentially losing its role and function,” he said.

The Georgian Foreign Minister also added that “it is important to have a clear position so that the interests of our country are not harmed.”

It is noteworthy that in Moscow, the foreign ministers of Russia and Iran announced the creation of a new regional format, adding that only Armenia and Georgia have yet to agree to participate in the '3+3' format. In response to this issue, the Armenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs provided the following commentary: “Armenia operates from the standpoint that any regional cooperation format can be effective if it meets the following conditions: - The format must be comprehensive and inclusive. - It must be based on developments indicating positive trends in relations among all involved states. Otherwise, it may lead to the transfer of existing issues in bilateral relations to a multilateral format, which could result in disruptions to both that multilateral format and bilateral dialogue.”