National Assembly Speaker Alen Simonyan addressed Azerbaijan’s offer to host the next meeting in the “3+3” regional cooperation format, saying that while the Foreign Ministry will officially respond, Armenia should not refrain from participating in any regional forum.

Speaking to Aysor.am, Simonyan stressed that skipping such meetings is not the right approach, even when unresolved issues exist.

“For example, for me, the issue of captives is a serious concern. I think it's an issue that can and should be discussed and resolved. But not participating at all is not acceptable,” Simonyan said.

Previously, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov said Baku is ready to host the next “3+3” meeting and claimed that Armenia does not oppose the idea.

In response, Armenia’s Foreign Ministry said: “As stated in the joint communiqué of the third ‘3+3’ regional cooperation platform meeting, the location and date of the next ministerial meeting will be agreed upon through diplomatic channels.”

The “3+3” format includes Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia, along with Russia, Iran, and Turkey. Georgia has so far declined to participate, though other members have repeatedly said the door remains open to Tbilisi. Previous meetings were held in Moscow, Tehran, and Istanbul.