Rossotrudnichestvo head confirms Azerbaijan’s request to shut "Russian House" in Baku

Yevgeny Primakov, head of Rossotrudnichestvo, confirmed on Rossiya-24 TV that the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry has indeed requested the closure of the “Russian House” in Baku.

The closure is linked to the centre’s failure to register as a legal entity under local law, Caliber.Az reports.

“It says that our representation, the Russian Information and Cultural Center (RICC), also popularly called ‘Russian House,’ should be registered as a legal entity according to local legislation,” Primakov explained.

He added, "The ‘Russian House’ in Baku has been informed that within a month and a half, it must vacate its rented premises. The owner of the property has announced plans to sell it urgently.”

Earlier, diplomatic channels confirmed that Azerbaijan had sent an official notification to Russia regarding the termination of Rossotrudnichestvo’s operations in the country.

Similar actions were previously taken with respect to USAID.

Rossotrudnichestvo, officially known as the Federal Agency for the Commonwealth of Independent States Affairs, Compatriots Living Abroad, and International Humanitarian Cooperation, is a key executive agency of Russia. It is tasked with providing state services and managing state assets in connection with Russia’s international relations, particularly with CIS member states and other countries. The agency also promotes international humanitarian cooperation and works to advance state policy in these areas, aiming to foster a global, objective understanding of modern-day Russia. With 96 offices across 80 countries, it plays a vital role in Russia's global outreach.

Originally founded in 1925 as the All-Union Society for Cultural Relations with Foreign Countries (VOKS), the organization has undergone several transformations. In 2008, it became the current Rossotrudnichestvo, following its restructuring from the Russian Center for International Scientific and Cultural Cooperation (Roszarubezhcenter).

Often regarded as a tool of Russian soft power, Rossotrudnichestvo has faced international scrutiny and sanctions due to its role in promoting Russia’s influence abroad. This scrutiny has intensified following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, with the agency's activities being particularly criticized in countries like Ukraine and within the European Union.

By Tamilla Hasanova