The Russian Foreign Ministry considers Georgia to be a participant in the 3+3 format

The Russian Foreign Ministry views Georgia as a participant in the 3+3 format. The relevant statement was published on the official page of the ministry saying that Moscow's goal is to activate the 3+3 consultative platform with the participation of Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia, Russia, Iran and Turkey - in accordance with the interests of cooperation and regional players.

"We are ready to continue constructive interaction on security and stability issues in the Transcaucasus in the framework of the Geneva international negotiations, which will ensure a direct and equal dialogue between Georgia and Abkhazia and South Ossetia.

Our goal is to promote the work of the 3+3 consultative regional platform (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia as well as Russia, Iran and Turkey) starting from December 2021. This is a platform that will focus on practical issues of strengthening cooperation based on the interests of regional players. We consider it useful and timely," wrote the Russian MFA in response to a question about Russia's role in the Caucasus.

The format was initiated by Erdogan after the escalation of the Karabakh conflict in 2021, but Georgia refused to participate on the grounds that it could not join the peace platform with Russia.

This time, the Russian Foreign Ministry's statement did not prompt an official reaction from Tbilisi. According to experts, mentioning Georgia as a participant in the format is a provocative statement and requires a reaction from the Georgian authorities.