How Presidents Putin & Aliyev drive Russian-Azerbaijani trusting relations Strong leadership chemistry

Relations between Russia and Azerbaijan are developing dynamically, characterized by frequent high-level interactions and mutual initiatives. President Vladimir Putin once again endorsed this assessment at his news conference with representatives of global news agencies on the sidelines of the 27th annual St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) on June 5.

Prospects of bilateral cooperation & the North-South Transport Corridor

Relations between Azerbaijan and Russia are evolving successfully, reliably, and very pragmatically. This evolution is underpinned by mutual interests and a noticeable degree of mutual sympathy between the two leaders of the nations. A key indicator of this robust relationship is the presence of 300 Russian-language schools in Azerbaijan, as pronounced by V. Putin and strongly supported by President Ilham Aliyev.

President Ilham Aliyev's recent visit to Moscow served not only as an occasion to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Baikal-Amur Mainline (BAM) but also as an opportunity to discuss and enhance bilateral relations. The discussions between Presidents Putin and Aliyev underscored the robust chemistry and shared strategic vision between the two leaders, fostering a conducive environment for future cooperation.

Vladimir Putin underscored both nations’ commitment to mutual interests, which is reflected in the increasing volume of trade, now amounting to approximately $4.5-4.6 billion. This dynamic trade relationship is a testament to the mutual commitment to expanding and strengthening economic cooperation. If both countries maintain their positive intentions and pragmatic approaches, the prospects for further development are promising.

One of the most significant projects in the Azerbaijani-Russian partnership is the development of the North-South transport corridor. This has the potential to become a highly demanded international corridor, offering a faster alternative to traditional routes like the Suez Canal. The proposed route would facilitate the movement of goods from St. Petersburg through Azerbaijan and Iran to the Persian Gulf, reducing transit time by approximately ten days.

President Putin emphasized the significant time savings - up to 10 days - that this route could offer for goods traveling from St. Petersburg through Azerbaijan to Iran and the Persian Gulf. This project, supported by President Aliyev and the Iranian leadership, has attracted interest from sovereign Arab funds, underscoring its potential profitability and reliability.

However, Putin believes several logistical and financial issues need to be addressed. These include determining the exact stretches of the route, financing methods - whether through loans or direct funding from Russia - and integrating the route with existing infrastructure in Azerbaijan and Iran. The gauge of the track in Iran, whether narrow or wide, is also a crucial consideration. Despite these challenges, there is strong determination from all parties involved to realize the project. The active involvement of entities like VTB underscores the commitment to overcoming these obstacles and completing the corridor.

Educational & cultural bonds & shared interests

Beyond the North-South transport corridor, Azerbaijan and Russia are pursuing various collaborative projects, reflecting their broad spectrum of shared interests. The construction of logistics hubs at the Azerbaijani-Russian border, particularly along the Dagestani segment of the interstate border, is already underway. This initiative, along with other infrastructure projects, aims to enhance connectivity and facilitate smoother trade flows.

The relationship between Azerbaijan and Russia is also deeply rooted in educational and cultural exchanges. President Putin pointed out the substantial support from President Aliyev for the Russian language and education in Azerbaijan. With over 300 schools in Azerbaijan operating in the Russian language, and numerous Azerbaijani students pursuing higher education in Russia, these educational ties facilitate the development of a skilled workforce proficient in Russian, which in turn bolsters bilateral relations.

This educational cooperation reflects a broader strategy to integrate and synchronize the two nations' socio-economic frameworks, ensuring that the younger generations are equipped to contribute to and benefit from the evolving Azerbaijan-Russia partnership.

As Caspian states, Azerbaijan and Russia share numerous common interests, with environmental sustainability of the Caspian Sea being paramount. Both nations recognize that collaborative efforts to tackle ecological challenges are crucial for the region's long-term health and stability.

Azerbaijan's upcoming role as host of COP29 will provide a significant platform to address the declining water levels of the Caspian Sea, bringing this critical issue to the forefront of regional and global environmental agendas.

This event will highlight the urgent need for concerted action and cooperation among Caspian states and the international community to safeguard the sea's ecosystem and ensure sustainable development for future generations.

Conclusion

The evolving relationship between Azerbaijan and Russia is marked by strong leadership chemistry, pragmatic cooperation, and mutual interests. The dynamic duo of Presidents Vladimir Putin and Ilham Aliyev plays a pivotal role in this partnership, fostering an environment of mutual respect and collaboration.

As both countries continue to pursue common goals and address shared challenges, the prospects for bilateral cooperation remain bright, promising significant benefits for both nations and the broader region. High-profile projects like the North-South transport corridor underscore the strategic importance of this partnership, offering substantial economic advantages.

Furthermore, educational and environmental collaborations further solidify the ties between the two nations. As Azerbaijan and Russia navigate shared challenges and opportunities, their bilateral relationship is poised to deliver substantial and lasting benefits, enhancing regional stability and prosperity.