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It would be hard to be in ‘3+3’ platform with Russia – Georgian FM
POLITICS
08.10.2021 | 17:22
It will be difficult for Georgia to participate in the “3 + 3” platform together with Russia, however, the country must be represented in some major geopolitical projects. This is how Georgian Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign Minister David Zalkaliani commented on Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s statement proposing 3 + 3 platform of regional cooperation with the participation of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, on the other hand, Iran, Russia and Turkey, newsgeorgia.ge reported.
“Obviously, when we do not see any process in the direction of de-occupation, it is very difficult to participate in such a scale, to talk about some infrastructure projects. However, I want to present a position to the public to think. In such large geopolitical projects, in relations, we must be represented at least in some way, of course, at the expense of any concessions given to the occupier of non-state interests,” Zalkaliani said.
He underscored that the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity are considered a “red line”.
“It is necessary that we do not lag behind the processes that are developing in the region, we must definitely participate in all new, even infrastructure projects that may bypass Georgia, due to which the country may lose its role and function. That is why it is possible to have a clear position here so that the interests of our country do not suffer,” Zakaliani said.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated at a joint press conference with his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir Abdullahian that they discussed the idea of launching a “3 + 3” platform with Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey to unblock economic and transport routes in the region.
According to Lavrov, Iran has expressed a positive attitude towards this idea, a similar attitude is observed in Azerbaijan and Turkey.
“We are working with our Armenian partners. We hope that Georgia, despite all the problems there, will be able to see its fundamental interest in establishing such a mechanism for consultations and decision-making for the rapid development of the region, which has not developed for many years due to the conflict here,” Lavrov said.
