Russia calls Azerbaijan "key regional partner" ahead of foreign minister's visit UPDATED

Russia has described Azerbaijan as an essential strategic partner in both the South Caucasus and the Caspian region, ahead of an official visit to Moscow by Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov.

In a statement released on July 16 and reported by Caliber.Az, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasised the steady trajectory of bilateral ties.

"Relations between our countries are developing progressively in the spirit of traditions of friendship and good neighbourliness. Daily joint work is built on the basis of the principles of equality, mutual respect, and consideration of each other's interests," the Ministry stated.

Highlighting regional security, Moscow reiterated its willingness to mediate the ongoing peace process between Baku and Yerevan.

"Peace and stability in the South Caucasus are important to us. As before, we are ready to provide sought-after assistance in the complete normalization of relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia, including on issues of concluding a peace treaty, delimiting the border, and unblocking communications. The 'roadmaps' for these processes are contained in the trilateral statements signed at the highest level in 2020–2022," the statement read.

According to the Ministry, Bayramov’s visit is seen as a pivotal continuation of the "trust-based Russian-Azerbaijani political dialogue and further expanding mutually beneficial cooperation."

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Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov departed for an official visit to Russia on July 16.

During the visit, Bayramov is scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Moscow on July 17, Caliber.Az reports via the ministry.

Nazir Ceyhun Bayramovun Rusiya Federasiyasına rəsmi səfərinə dair mətbuat məlumatı

16 iyul tarixində Azərbaycan Respublikasının xarici işlər naziri Ceyhun Bayramov Rusiya Federasiyasına rəsmi səfərə yola düşüb.

Səfər çərçivəsində, 17 iyul tarixində Rusiya Federasiyasının… pic.twitter.com/zPBNjIHY2A

— MFA Azerbaijan 🇦🇿 (@AzerbaijanMFA) July 16, 2026

By Jeyhun Aghazada