Russia Blames Armenia for Stalling Trilateral Talks on Regional Transport Links

MOSCOW – Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova suggested on Thursday that Armenia is responsible for “freezing” the work of an Armenian-Azerbaijani-Russian group established to facilitate the reopening of transportation routes between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

“The trilateral group’s work is currently frozen due to the position of the Armenian side,” Zakharova stated during a press briefing.

She reaffirmed Russia’s willingness to resume full-fledged cooperation, noting that Moscow and Tehran share similar views on the issue. “This alignment is fully reflected in the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty between Russia and Iran, signed in Moscow on January 17 of this year,” Zakharova added.

According to her, the treaty commits both countries to promoting peace and security in neighboring regions, including the South Caucasus, while also working to prevent destabilizing interference and the presence of third parties along the Armenian-Azerbaijani border.

“The inclusion of this understanding in a long-term interstate agreement designed for a 20-year perspective is highly significant,” Zakharova emphasized. “The key difference is that Russia is an active participant in the trilateral working group, co-chaired by the deputy prime ministers of Russia, Azerbaijan, and Armenia, to facilitate the unblocking of transportation and economic ties in the South Caucasus.”