Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Baku, Azerbaijan, on Sunday for a two-day state visit. This is his first trip to the country since September 2018. His arrival, captured by Russian television in the evening, signifies a significant diplomatic engagement.
According to the Kremlin, during his visit, President Vladimir Putin will discuss bilateral relations and key international and regional issues with his Azerbaijani counterpart, Ilham Aliyev. These discussions are crucial, as Azerbaijan remains a vital energy supplier to the West while maintaining close ties with Moscow and Turkey. Additionally, Putin’s visit takes place against the backdrop of a significant Ukrainian military offensive on Russian territories.
According to the local news agency Asertac, both leaders attended a dinner at the Azerbaijani president’s official residence on Sunday evening. As detailed by the Russian agency Ria Novosti, the agenda for Monday includes signing joint documents and press statements.
Additionally, Putin plans to pay his respects at the tomb of Heydar Aliyev, the nation’s former president and father of the current leader, deepening the personal and diplomatic bonds between the two nations.
The Kremlin also indicated that the leaders would tackle the ongoing conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia, particularly the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh. Following Azerbaijan’s recapture of this region from Armenian separatists in September 2023, Armenia has voiced criticisms of Russia’s support levels. It has sought to strengthen ties with Western nations, including the United States.
Azerbaijan’s role as a significant natural gas producer has grown, especially as European countries seek alternatives to Russian energy sources amid ongoing conflicts. The country is also set to host the COP29 climate conference in November.
Despite an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court in March 2023 for allegedly deporting Ukrainian children to Russia a charge the Kremlin denies—Putin’s international travel continues, with Azerbaijan not being a party to the Rome Statute that established the ICC.
