Russia has been and will be present in the South Caucasus, says Russia’s ambassador to Turkey

Russia has been and will be an active participant in the processes taking place in the South Caucasus—an approach also accepted by Turkey. As RIA Novosti reports, this was stated by Russian Ambassador to Turkey Alexey Yerkhov in an interview with Turkish media on the eve of the completion of his diplomatic mission.

On Sept. 5, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree relieving Yerkhov of his post as ambassador to Turkey and appointing him as ambassador to Uzbekistan.

“As for your statement that, as you put it, ‘Russia is being pushed out of the Caucasus,’ I cannot agree. I believe the opposite is true. My country has been and will be present in this region. Moreover, this is acknowledged by all the states located here, including Turkey, with whom we maintain close working ties, including on South Caucasus issues,” the diplomat noted, commenting on claims by some experts that the United States seeks to limit Russia’s influence in the South Caucasus.

Yerkhov added that Moscow and Ankara are jointly promoting the 3+3 regional consultation platform.

“In our joint assessment, this format could be extremely beneficial for all participants, as well as for peace and stability across the region,” the diplomat concluded.