Moscow: Russia does not take sides in the normalization of Armenia-Azerbaijan relations, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated at a joint press conference following discussions with his Armenian counterpart, Ararat Mirzoyan, as reported by APA’s Moscow correspondent.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, Lavrov highlighted Russia’s vested interest in the peaceful and amicable coexistence of the Armenian and Azerbaijani people. He emphasized Russia’s strategic partnerships and alliances with both nations, contrasting Russia’s position with that of countries far removed from the South Caucasus. Lavrov accused these distant nations of advancing their geopolitical agendas by maintaining regional tensions.

Lavrov further explained that Russia’s involvement is governed by agreements mutually consented to by both Yerevan and Baku. These agreements encompass a peace treaty, the opening of economic and transport communications, and issues related to border delimitation and demarcation. Lavrov assured that Russia engages at the level requested by Armenia and Azerbaijan, neither exceeding nor falling short of their needs.