Putin: Russia is ready to help Armenia and Azerbaijan sign a peace agreement

ArmInfo. Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Azerbaijani counterpart Ilham Aliyev discussed the settlement of the situation in the South Caucasus at a meeting in Baku.

The Russian President addressed the issue himself before the start of negotiations with Aliyev in a narrow format at the Zagulba Palace.  "Of course, yesterday we touched on this topic and today we will continue - this concerns the settlement of the situation in the South Caucasus. It is clear and well known that Russia is also facing crises, primarily in the Ukrainian direction. However, the historical involvement of the Russian Federation in the South Caucasus, and the events of recent years dictate the need for us to participate in these events, of course, in the part in which it is required by the parties," he noted. According to him, if Russia can do something to sign a peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan, bring the matter to the delimitation and demarcation of the border, unblock logistical and economic ties, then it will be happy to do so.  The Russian leader also menioned that after his visit to Baku, he would contact Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan to inform him about the results of the meeting. "I know that Azerbaijan aims to complete all procedures related to a full settlement. I know this well," Putin stated, conveying his belief that the talks in Baku would be productive.

Touching upon Russian-Azerbaijani relations in general, the Russian leader noted that relations between Moscow and Baku are developing on the basis of the declaration signed by him and Aliyev in early 2022.  The visit of the Azerbaijani leader to Russia in April of this year also provided a good impetus to the development of ties. "The two countries have numerous areas for collaboration: not only in energy, but also in industrial cooperation, transport, logistics, and light industry," he continued.  At the same time, Putin pointed out that the current trade turnover does not yet correspond to the capabilities of the two countries.

"You mentioned at our previous meeting in Russia that four billion and a bit is a good figure, but it does not align with the potential of our capabilities," he said.  Putin arrived in Baku the day before for a two-day state visit. After the initial narrow-format talks, the heads of state will be joined by their delegations. Following the meeting, the participants will sign a package of documents.