Russian ambassador to Azerbaijan praises ‘3+3’ format

Russian Ambassador to Azerbaijan Mikhail Bocharnikov made a number of statements at the first session of the Russian-Azerbaijani Expert Council, including on the “3 + 3” format, Azerbaijani media reported.

The meeting, entitled “Azerbaijani-Russian strategic relations as a possible factor for the development of regional cooperation in the South Caucasus” was organized by the Analytical Center for International Relations in Baku and the Russian Council for International Relations.

“I believe that the meeting of the Russian-Azerbaijani Expert Council and its results will contribute to the further development of relations between our countries,” the ambassador said. He noted Russian President Putin, addressing the Russian Foreign Ministry Board meeting, mentioned the special role of the Russian peacekeepers in ensuring peace in the region, and the importance of opening rods and that Russia is in favor of a long-term settlement of the conflict.

“Russia has proposed delimiting and demarcating the border between Azerbaijan and Armenia,” Bocharnikov said. He underscored he values the proposal by Azerbaijan and Turkey to create a “3 + 3” format in the region, and that it is a very strong initiative.

“Therefore, it is possible that the experts will discuss all those directions.We appreciate the new format,” he said.