Putin: Russia, Azerbaijan cooperating to tackle Caspian Sea shallowing PHOTO

Russian President Vladimir Putin reaffirmed Moscow’s commitment to deepening cooperation with Azerbaijan on both environmental and economic fronts during a meeting with the heads of international news agencies held on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.

The meeting, organised by Russia’s TASS news agency, brought together media leaders from 13 countries, including Chairman of the Board of Azertag, Vugar Aliyev. In response to a question posed by Aliyev regarding the environmental challenges posed by the gradual shallowing of the Caspian Sea, Putin said that both Russian and Azerbaijani authorities are taking the issue seriously and working jointly on solutions, Caliber.Az reports.

"This issue was raised by the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Heydarovich [Aliyev], and I responded immediately," Putin stated. "The problem is undoubtedly of a very large, if not global, scale. We know of the tragic examples, such as the Aral Sea. Coordinated action must be taken in a timely manner."

Putin added that relevant instructions have already been issued to the Russian government to collaborate with Azerbaijan on addressing the problem, stressing that any measures must be persistent, well-planned, and steady.

The Russian leader also underscored the importance of identifying the root causes behind the Caspian Sea’s declining water levels and taking all necessary steps to avoid irreversible damage.

Turning to bilateral economic ties, Putin noted that trade turnover between Russia and Azerbaijan increased by 7 per cent in 2023, describing it as “a solid result.”

"We have good projects—the North–South corridor and several other promising areas—in logistics, manufacturing, and shipbuilding,” he said. “We are ready to supply the Baku plant with our orders. There is work to be done; these projects are well-developed. I hope we will be able to implement all of this."

The North–South transport corridor, which links Russia, Azerbaijan, Iran, and further to South Asia, has emerged as a key focus of the two countries’ strategic cooperation. Both sides have also been expanding collaboration in industrial production and infrastructure development.

By Vugar Khalilov