Talks Between Putin and Aliyev in Azerbaijan
Russian President Vladimir Putin, who came to Azerbaijan for official talks, held bilateral and inter-delegation meetings with President Ilham Aliyev. Following this important meeting, Aliyev and Putin adopted a joint declaration.
Aliyev emphasized in the program that Azerbaijan and Russia are allies, friends, close partners and neighbors. He stated that the trade volume between the two countries exceeded $4 billion in 2023 and this figure will increase even more. Aliyev stated that they also discussed regional security issues in detail with Putin, “After September 2023, a completely different situation emerged in the region. Azerbaijan fully established its sovereignty and territorial integrity. The new situation creates new opportunities for establishing a strong and sustainable peace in the South Caucasus.”he said.
He also noted that stability and security in the entire South Caucasus region depend in many cases on close interaction between Russia and Azerbaijan. Expressing that they also made a comprehensive assessment of the International North-South Transport Corridor, Aliyev noted that the road and railway sections of this corridor in Azerbaijani territory are operating successfully.
Aliyev, “We have analyzed the situation in the energy sector, including oil, gas and electric energy, in detail. We are actively working in this direction and I am confident that we will continue our activities in a coordinated manner.”Aliyev stated that they also discussed the environmental issue, “The ecological situation in the Caspian Sea worries us all. The rocks that were under water two years ago have risen to the surface by one meter today. We observe this along the entire coast of the Absheron Peninsula.”He spoke as follows.
Aliyev said that they agreed to analyze this situation together and determine ways to prevent a possible environmental disaster, both bilaterally and with other coastal countries. Aliyev thanked Putin for coming to Azerbaijan, “Undoubtedly, this visit is a historic visit and will make a significant contribution to the strengthening of friendship and alliance relations between our countries.”he said.
Putin also expressed his pleasure in being in Azerbaijan, and said that Russia attaches great importance to the development of multifaceted friendly relations with Azerbaijan, and that these relations are based on the principles of equal consideration of each other’s interests and close human and cultural ties. Stating that he discussed the development of economic relations between the two countries with Aliyev, Putin said, “Russia and Azerbaijan are important economic partners of each other. Our trade volume is increasing. Our situation is developing positively and has good development prospects.”he said.
Stressing that suitable working conditions have been created for Russian companies in Azerbaijan, Putin thanked Azerbaijan for this reason. He also said, “We will start joint tanker production with Azerbaijan. These modern tankers, which will carry oil and natural gas, will be used both in the Caspian Sea and on the Azov and Black Sea routes.”He gave the information as follows.
Putin also mentioned the International North-South Transport Corridor, “This corridor will allow us to reach the shores of the Indian Ocean and use these routes for mutual benefit and interest.”He also stated that the proposal to establish a Russian-Azerbaijani University in Baku was on the agenda and that President Aliyev also supported this idea, “I hope we can get this done quickly enough.”he said.
Putin stated that relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia were also discussed. “Russia will continue to contribute in every possible way to the signing of a peace agreement based on the trilateral declarations signed by the leaders of Azerbaijan, Armenia and Russia. We are also ready to assist in the demarcation of borders and the opening of transport lines “Lasting peace and stability in the South Caucasus fully meets the fundamental interests of all states and peoples in this region.”he added.
Putin said, “I would like to emphasize once again that we are absolutely satisfied with the results of the visit. I believe that the negotiations held today and the agreements reached will serve to further strengthen the Russia-Azerbaijan strategic partnership.”He concluded by saying.
