Azerbaijani, Russian FMs discuss region, co-op prospects PHOTO

Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov and his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov have discussed regional issues, as well as the expanding opportunities for cooperation.

The discussion took place as part of Bayramov’s working visit to Moscow Russia on December 5, Caliber.Az reports, citing the ministry.

At the meeting, the current issues of cooperation agenda between Azerbaijan and Russia, cooperation in economy, education, transport and other bilateral and regional fields, as well as issues of normalization of Azerbaijani-Armenian relations, implementation of trilateral statements were discussed.

Bayramov expressed satisfaction with the high-level dialogue and close contacts between Azerbaijan and Russia. The minister said that the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries is being celebrated in 2022, and noted that various events are being held to promote the bilateral relations.

Bayramov also informed the opposite side about the peace agenda and the steps taken by Azerbaijan in the post-conflict period.

Armenia's attempts to slow down the process, its failure to fulfill its obligations under the Trilateral Statement, especially the 4th and 9th points, its failure to fully withdraw its forces from the Azerbaijani territories, and its obstruction of the opening of all communications were underlined.

Bayramov also mentioned the danger of landmines in the liberated areas and stressed that the discovery of mines manufactured in Armenia in 2021 in the territories of Azerbaijan is a serious violation of its obligations by Armenia and harms the peace process. In addition, the issue of illegal exploitation of Azerbaijan’s natural resources in the territories, where the Russian peacekeeping contingent is temporarily stationed, was also discussed.

After a comprehensive meeting, a political consultation plan for 2023-2024 was signed between the Azerbaijani and Russian foreign ministries.

The ministers afterwards took part in a ceremony to print stamps with a special postmark commemorating the 30th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Azerbaijan and Russia. At the same time, the second volume of the newly published collection of documents signed between Azerbaijan and Russia was presented.

After the meeting, a joint press conference of the foreign ministers of Azerbaijan and Russia was held. During the conference, the ministers made statements and answered questions from the media.

Prior to the meetings Bayramov visited the tomb of the unknown soldier in Alexander Garden in Moscow and laid a wreath in front of the eternal flame. Later, the ministers held both one-on-one and expanded meetings.