Azerbaijan, Russia Review Bilateral Cooperation and Regional Issues at Moscow Talks
Moscow, The Gulf Observer: Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held bilateral talks in Moscow on July 17, reviewing the current state and future prospects of Azerbaijan–Russia relations, including cooperation in economic, trade, humanitarian, regional, and international affairs.
At the outset of the meeting, Lavrov congratulated Bayramov on Azerbaijan’s Diplomatic Service Day, observed on July 9, and wished him continued success in his diplomatic responsibilities.
Lavrov said the ministerial meeting reflected the regular and comprehensive dialogue maintained between the two countries at the presidential, governmental, ministerial, parliamentary, and institutional levels.
He noted that despite periodic challenges, both countries continue to work toward fully implementing the Moscow Declaration on Allied Interaction, signed on February 22, 2022, which serves as the foundation for expanding bilateral strategic cooperation.
The Russian foreign minister also stated that issues arising from the AZAL passenger aircraft crash had been successfully addressed through agreements reached at the highest political level and through coordinated efforts by the governments and foreign ministries of both countries.
Highlighting economic relations, Lavrov referred to the 24th meeting of the Azerbaijan–Russia Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation, held in April, describing it as an important mechanism for strengthening bilateral trade and investment ties. He also pointed to positive developments in cultural and humanitarian cooperation.
On regional affairs, Lavrov said the discussions would cover the evolving situation in the South Caucasus and highlighted growing interest in the 3+3 regional consultative platform. He added that the ministers would also exchange views on cooperation within the United Nations, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).
Bayramov thanked Lavrov for the invitation to Moscow and for the warm hospitality extended to the Azerbaijani delegation, describing the meeting as an important opportunity for a comprehensive review of the broad spectrum of bilateral relations.
He emphasized that the talks would include an in-depth assessment of economic and trade cooperation, noting that the regular sessions of the Intergovernmental Commission continue to play a central role in advancing practical collaboration between the two countries.
Despite ongoing challenges facing the global economy, Bayramov said the overall trajectory of Azerbaijan–Russia relations remains positive and continues to demonstrate steady progress.
The Azerbaijani foreign minister added that the two sides reviewed the results of bilateral cooperation during 2025 and discussed priority areas for expanding collaboration in the coming period. He also described humanitarian cooperation as a longstanding and important pillar of bilateral relations.
Reaffirming Azerbaijan’s commitment to constructive dialogue, Bayramov said both countries remain ready to discuss regional and international issues of mutual interest and to further strengthen cooperation within international and regional organizations.
