Chairperson: Russia aims to strengthen ties with Azerbaijan

Russia is seeking to further strengthen cooperation with Azerbaijan, Valentina Matvienko, Chair of the Federation Council of Russia, said following her meeting with Sahiba Gafarova, Speaker of Azerbaijan’s Milli Majlis (Parliament), on the sidelines of the 152nd Inter-Parliamentary Union Assembly in Istanbul.

Matvienko said Russian-Azerbaijani relations held “significant potential” for further development and stressed that Moscow was “focused on strengthening ties” with Baku, Federation Council reports.

She also referred to the completion of procedures related to the aftermath of the 2024 crash involving an AZAL aircraft, expressing condolences to the Azerbaijani side.

Both speakers noted the regularity of parliamentary contacts between the two countries, including recent and upcoming sessions of the Inter-Parliamentary Commission and preparations for the next Russian-Azerbaijani interregional forum in Baku.

According to the discussion, more than 70 regions of Russia are currently engaged in cooperation with Azerbaijan at various levels.

Gafarova conveyed greetings from Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and reaffirmed Baku’s commitment to expanding comprehensive bilateral cooperation.

The talks also touched on developments involving Iran. Matvienko highlighted Russia’s appreciation of Azerbaijan’s assistance in evacuating Russian citizens from Iran and facilitating the transit of humanitarian aid to Iran via Azerbaijani territory.

Both sides additionally exchanged views on broader international parliamentary cooperation, including within the CIS Inter-Parliamentary Assembly and the Inter-Parliamentary Union.

By Aghakazim Guliyev