Extra-regional ties with South Caucasus countries should not create tension in the region - Lavrov

YEREVAN, May 21. /ARKA/. The development of relations between extra-regional countries and the South Caucasus countries should not create tension in the region, said Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

"We are convinced that the issues arising in the South Caucasus region should be resolved first of all by the countries located here and their closest neighbors," he said at a joint press conference with RA Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan in Yerevan on Wednesday.

According to Lavrov, Russia is not against extra-regional countries developing their relations with the states of the region.

"But with the understanding that such interaction will not be aimed at creating tension in the region, at ignoring the interests of the countries located here, for the sake of geopolitical games," Lavrov said, adding that this has never led to anything good anywhere.

The head of the Russian Foreign Ministry stated that Russia's position is openness to cooperation with everyone. "We are ready to do this honestly, without any hidden agendas," he emphasized. -0-