Georgia says will join Lavrov's "3+3" regional platform

PanARMENIAN.Net - Georgian Foreign Minister David Zalkaliani on Friday, October 8 weighed in on the proposal of his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov about joining a proposed regional platform subbed "3+3". According to him, Georgia cannot lag behind processes taking place in the region, so it will have to join formats with the participation of Russia.

Lavrov earlier suggested creating a cooperation format involving Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Iran, Russia and Turkey.

"Of course, when we do not see any processes aimed at de-occupation, it is very difficult to participate in such a format and speak about some kind of infrastructure projects. However, I want to provide the public with something for reflection – in these large geopolitical projects and relations, we must be represented at least in some form, of course, not at the expense of state interests and concessions to the occupier," Zalkaliani was quoted as saying by EADaily.

He described the "territorial integrity of Georgia" as a "red line".

“We need to keep up with processes that are developing in the region and necessarily participate in all new, even infrastructure projects that may bypass Georgia, because of which the country could lose its role and function. Therefore, it is important to have a clear position here so that the interests of our country do not suffer," the Georgian foreign policy chief said.