Azerbaijani president, Russian security secretary mull bilateral relations & regional security

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev received Secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation Sergei Shoigu on August 6.

During the meeting, President Aliyev highlighted that Shoigu's visit provides an excellent opportunity to discuss the bilateral relations agenda and issues of mutual interest, Caliber.Az reports, citing the presidential website.

The president underscored the significance of regular communication between Azerbaijan and Russia concerning regional developments. He pointed out that the successful development of bilateral ties is evident through high-level contacts and the implementation of documents and road maps signed between the two countries. This cooperation spans various sectors, including security, transport, energy, military-technical, and humanitarian. Aliyev added that discussions on these topics are regularly held with President Vladimir Putin.

President Aliyev also noted the active work of the Joint Intergovernmental Commission, emphasizing that a meeting of the commission will soon be held in Baku. He mentioned the ongoing active contacts between other Azerbaijani and Russian structures.

The president expressed satisfaction with the successful implementation of decisions made by the political leadership of both countries, specifically referencing the Declaration on Allied Cooperation provisions between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Russian Federation.

Aliyev stated that Azerbaijani-Russian relations serve as an example for neighboring states and are crucial in ensuring security in the South Caucasus and beyond.

In response, Sergei Shoigu thanked President Aliyev for the warm and sincere reception, noting that it was rooted in the personal relationship between the presidents. Shoigu emphasized that Azerbaijan and Russia are successfully developing ties in regional security, military-technical cooperation, transport, and economic spheres.

Shoigu mentioned that significant tasks are on the agenda of bilateral cooperation and that they are being successfully addressed. As an example, he cited the implementation of the North-South corridor. The Russian Security Council Secretary also stated that Russia supports the process of normalizing relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia.

The prospects for cooperation within the 3+3 format were also discussed during the meeting.