Lavrov held talks with Aliyev in Baku

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov arrived on February 27 on a working visit to Azerbaijan, where he held talks with the President of the Republic, Ilham Aliyev. This is reported by the correspondent of Vedomosti.

The President of Azerbaijan noted that the declaration on allied cooperation signed a year ago actually reflects the spirit and nature of relations between the two countries. Aliyev added that the parties are already actively developing cooperation in energy, transport and the humanitarian sphere. In addition, the dock-like dynamics of air transportation between countries is being restored. Aliyev expressed hope that 2023 would be a breakthrough in the normalization of relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia, and would also allow turning the “page of enmity.” The Azerbaijani leader noted the special role of Russia in this process, personally thanking Lavrov for his efforts in resolving the conflict.

Lavrov, in turn, conveyed warm wishes to Aliyev from Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Russian minister noted that Moscow is interested in developing humanitarian cooperation, thanking Aliyev for supporting the Russian language in Azerbaijan. In addition, Lavrov noted that Russia welcomes any efforts of international colleagues to stabilize the situation, strengthen cooperation in the region and normalize relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

On February 28, Russian-Azerbaijani talks will continue at the level of foreign ministers. Lavrov’s visit to Azerbaijan is timed to coincide with the anniversary of the Declaration on Allied Cooperation between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Azerbaijan, which was signed in Moscow on February 22, 2022.