On August 18, Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Baku, Azerbaijan, for a highly anticipated official visit. He was greeted at Baku Airport by First Deputy Prime Minister Yagub Eyyubov, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Samir Sharifov, and other Azerbaijani officials.
The main events of the visit took place on August 19. President Putin and President Ilham Aliyev held a series of meetings to discuss the current state and prospects of bilateral cooperation, as well as key international and regional issues. The discussions began in a private setting before expanding to a broader format, leading to the signing of intergovernmental agreements and a joint statement by the two leaders.
During the visit, President Putin also paid his respects at the grave of former President Heydar Aliyev and visited the Alley of Martyrs. The day’s agenda included a tour of Baku’s “White City” and a visit to the Cathedral of the Holy Myrrh-Bearing Women. To conclude the visit, President Aliyev will host a state banquet in honor of the Russian leader.
This visit follows the Declaration on Mutual Cooperation signed in February 2022, which both leaders highlighted as a significant step in enhancing the relationship between their countries. President Putin noted that economic and commercial ties are flourishing, with over $4 billion in direct investments in Azerbaijan and more than 1,270 Russian enterprises operating there.
In addition to discussing bilateral issues, President Putin expressed Russia’s readiness to support negotiations between Azerbaijan and Armenia and indicated that he would follow up with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan after his visit.
President Aliyev expressed satisfaction with the outcomes of the visit, emphasizing its positive impact on the bilateral relationship. He highlighted the progress made in various sectors, including energy, transport, and humanitarian cooperation, underscoring the success of the Declaration on Mutual Cooperation and the ongoing positive dynamics between the two countries.
