Azerbaijan affirms readiness for talks with Armenia in Russia

Azerbaijan has reaffirmed its commitment to engage in negotiations with Armenia, including potential talks hosted in Russia.

Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry spokesman Aykhan Hajizada told Russian media that Azerbaijan remains open to negotiating with Armenia, whether in Russia or through other diplomatic avenues, Caliber.Az reports.

In response to Moscow’s willingness to facilitate such a meeting, Hajizada confirmed Azerbaijan's ongoing readiness for discussions with Armenia in Russia or any other appropriate setting.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova stated on July 24 that Russia is prepared to host the talks between Baku and Yerevan, ensuring optimal conditions for the discussions.

The most recent meeting between Azerbaijani and Armenian officials occurred in Moscow on May 19, 2023. Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov and Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan met at the invitation of Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. The talks focused on implementing trilateral statements by the leaders of Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Russia and advancing the draft agreement “On Peace and Establishment of Interstate Relations.”

Both ministers appreciated Russia's role in organizing the negotiations and agreed to continue the dialogue. They also had separate discussions with Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.