Lavrov reiterates Georgia’s seat remains available in “3+3” format

During a statement in the Russian State Duma, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov once again repeated that the door remains open for Georgia to join the “3+3” format, emphasizing that its “seat is still available.”

“We understand the nuances of Georgia’s doubts and positions; however, a chair for Georgian representatives will always be set up in the meeting room of this format,” Lavrov stated.

He noted that the current Georgian government is grounded in the country’s national interests, claiming that the “3+3” format operates in accordance with the interests of all its participants. Lavrov also attributed some frustration to the previous US administration, which allegedly sought to promote a “1+3” format instead, involving the South Caucasus countries and the United States.

The “3+3” format, initiated by Baku and Ankara, encompasses cooperation among three South Caucasus countries (Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Georgia) and their three major neighbors (Russia, Turkey, and Iran). The first meeting in this format took place in Moscow at the deputy foreign minister level in December 2021, although Georgia did not attend. Officially, Tbilisi’s position is that it cannot participate in a format that includes the Russian Federation, a party that does not recognize Georgia’s sovereignty. Despite this, a Georgian flag was still displayed at the meeting in Moscow, an action that was condemned by the Georgian government.

Moscow has repeatedly expressed its expectation that Georgia will eventually join the “3+3” format meetings.