Putin's Visit to Baku: Details

^{Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. Photo}

Russian President Vladimir Putin made a two-day visit to Azerbaijan—his first trip to the South Caucasus state since the onset of the Russia-Ukraine war in 2022.

Talks about Karabakh

If we can do something to sign a peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia, … we will be very happy to,

-Putin said during the meeting, according to Al Jazeera on August 19th.

It is also worth noting that this marks Putin’s first visit to Baku since Azerbaijan reclaimed Nagorno-Karabakh from ethnic Armenian separatists during the September 2023 offensive.

^{Putin in Baku, August 18th. Video}

For decades, Russia has served as the traditional mediator between these Caucasus adversaries, both of which are former Soviet republics. However, over the past two years, Moscow has been preoccupied with its war campaign in Ukraine, allowing Western powers to take on a more prominent role in resolving the conflict.

It is widely known that Russia is also facing crises, first of all on the Ukrainian track. However, Russia’s historical involvement in the events in the South Caucasus, even during recent years, makes it necessary for us to participate where needed by the sides, without a doubt,

– Putin remarked in a joint statement with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev.

Signing agreements

The presidents highly praised the current level of trade and economic cooperation and the effective work of the Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Azerbaijan. They also emphasized the commission’s key role in expanding mutually beneficial trade, economic, and investment cooperation between the two countries.

Some agreements that were signed (full list: Kremlin.ru):

Agreement between the Government of the Russian Federation and the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan on Cooperation in the Field of Healthcare, Medical Education, and Science;

Memorandum of Understanding and Cooperation on Labor Inspection Issues between the Federal Service for Labor and Employment of the Russian Federation and the State Labor Inspection Service under the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population of the Republic of Azerbaijan;

Memorandum of Understanding between the Russian Direct Investment Fund and the Export and Investment Promotion Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

Russian Language in Azerbaijan

Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his appreciation to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev for his consideration of the Russian language:

In Azerbaijan, the Russian language is widely and freely used. We feel that this trend is actively supported by the leadership of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Ilham Heydarovich, we appreciate your attention to the Russian language,

-Putin said during the meeting.

He also noted that discussions are underway regarding the establishment of a Russian-Azerbaijani University in Baku. “The President of Azerbaijan has backed this initiative, and I am hopeful that we will bring it to fruition fairly soon”, Putin added.

Atlantis.org, Al Jazeera, Azertac, Kremlin.ru and agencies

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