The regional 3+3 framework is gradually taking form and emerging as a more viable arena for dialogue. This observation was noted by the Russian foreign minister during recent discussions reported by TASS.
On Tuesday, December 5, the Russian foreign minister conducted talks with his Azerbaijani counterpart, Ceyhun Bayramov. During the opening of the discussions, the focus was placed on the potential creation of a fresh platform to address developments in the South Caucasus, signaling a strategic shift toward broader regional engagement.
The 3+3 concept has received attention from Azerbaijan’s president Ilham Aliyev, who spoke about the evolving regional format that would bring together three South Caucasus nations and three neighboring states. The Russian side characterized the format as with promise, emphasizing its potential to foster constructive regional cooperation and dialogue among all parties involved.
Lavrov indicated openness to receiving direct feedback from Baku authorities regarding the platform’s performance and ideas for its enhancement. Such input is viewed as essential for shaping a practical and sustainable mechanism that can address ongoing regional concerns.
The 3+3 arrangement envisions the participation of six countries: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Russia, Turkey, and Iran. While the original aim was to concentrate on South Caucasus affairs, the Georgian authorities reportedly chose not to participate in the initiative, citing a preference for other priority avenues of engagement. This development underscores the diverse political calculations at play among regional actors as they assess how best to synchronize their interests within a broader format.
In related remarks, the Russian foreign minister’s comments appeared amid broader discussions about the responsibilities and roles of regional organizations, including how the South Caucasus agenda intersects with European security avenues. Observers note that the OSCE framework has been a recurrent reference point in these conversations as nations weigh how to balance regional sovereignty with collective security commitments. The evolving rhetoric reflects a cautious but persistent effort to chart a path that accommodates varied perspectives while pursuing stabilizing outcomes for the region. (Source: TASS)