Russia insisted Tuesday that it has been impartial in the Armenia-Azerbaijan normalization process.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov was asked at a press conference by Armenpress on the frequently seen similarities of positions of Moscow and Baku and whether Russia can contribute to normalization in such conditions.
In response, Lavrov denied partiality.
“Judging by your question you have an impression that we are on someone’s side in the issues of the South Caucasus problematics and the Armenian-Azerbaijani normalization, but that is not the case. We are dealing with issues which we believe are relevant. We are dealing with the Yerevan-Baku normalization issues based on our deep interest for our brotherly nations to live in peace and good-neighborliness,” Lavrov said at a joint press conference with his Armenian counterpart Ararat Mirzoyan.
He noted that Russia maintains strategic and allied partnerships with both Armenia and Azerbaijan.
“Moscow is deeply interested [in Armenia-Azerbaijan normalization] unlike the countries that are located far from South Caucasus and advance other agendas aimed at maintaining the tension here as long as possible, hoping that they would advance their global political interests more effectively in those tensions,” Lavrov said, adding that Moscow is guided by the trilateral agreements of 2020-2022 which concern normalization, the peace treaty, unblocking of connections, as well as border delimitation and demarcation.
“We participate in that work as much as our participation is demanded by Yerevan and Baku, no more, no less,” he said.
Lavrov also said he has accepted FM Mirzoyan’s invitation to visit Armenia.