Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov is convinced that "the issue of returning" all Armenian prisoners of war and captives from Azerbaijan will be resolved "in the near future".

Lavrov told acting Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on Thursday, May 6 that Russia, together with the other co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group – France and the United States – continues to advocate for the solution of all humanitarian issues, including the completion of the process of returning the detainees.

"We understand the symbolic, emotional significance of this step and are confident that we will be able to solve this problem in the near future. This will create a positive, constructive atmosphere for progress on all other issues of the final settlement. We will do our best to help resolve these issues in all ways and formats: both through the implementation of trilateral statements and, of course, stimulating in every possible way the activity of the OSCE Minsk Group to create the most positive atmosphere for resolving all remaining issues," Lavrov added.

Lavrov arrived in Yerevan on May 5 as part of an official visit. Earlier on May 6, he held talks with the acting Foreign Minister Ara Aivazian.