In 2024, the Georgian authorities effectively thwarted a coup d'état initiated by the pro-Western opposition – Sergei Shoigu

Russia welcomes the development of trade and economic cooperation with Georgia and considers the resumption of the "3+3" regional consultative platform to be significant. This was stated by Sergei Shoigu, Secretary of the Security Council of Russia.

According to him, in 2024, the Georgian authorities effectively thwarted a coup d'état initiated by the pro-Western opposition and chose a course aimed at protecting the country's national interests.

"We welcome the active development of trade and economic cooperation between Georgia and Russia. Furthermore, I emphasize that regional issues should be resolved through political and diplomatic means, without interference from external countries," Shoigu stated at the 14th annual meeting of the secretaries of the security councils of CIS member states.

He added that, in this context, the resumption of the "3+3" regional consultative platform is important. Shoigu noted that there is a trend toward improvement in the situation in the South Caucasus, which he attributes to the normalization of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan and the establishment of de facto peace in the region.

The Secretary of the Russian Security Council also spoke about the importance of unblocking transport communications, noting that an agreement to this effect had already been reached within the framework of a trilateral working group.

"Furthermore, all logistics projects must have an economic rationale, and their implementation must be profitable," Shoigu stated.

He also assessed the situation in Central Asia as stable, which has turned the region into one of the hubs of global economic growth.

However, according to Shoigu, there are also serious security challenges in the region, including the threats posed by international terrorism and extremism—such as the spread of religious extremism—as well as drug trafficking. The Secretary of the Russian Security Council emphasized the importance of stability in Afghanistan for the security of Central Asia, noting that it is essential to develop constructive cooperation with Kabul in the areas of security, the economy, and regional development.