17 July 2026 16:21

On 17 July, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan Jeyhun Bayramov met with Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergey Lavrov, within the framework of his official visit to the Russian Federation.

At the meeting, political, economic and trade, transport, and humanitarian issues, as well as regional and international security issues of mutual interest, in Azerbaijan-Russia relations were discussed.

The Ministers emphasized the importance of developing the existing allied relations between the two countries on the basis of mutual respect and consideration of national interests. In this regard, the status of implementation of agreements reached at the highest and high levels was reviewed.

The development of trade and economic cooperation, the activities of the Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation, the role of the Azerbaijan-Russia Business Council, as well as opportunities for further expanding economic ties, were discussed. The role of the latest meeting of the intergovernmental commission, held in Zangilan on 16 April 2026, in bilateral economic relations was emphasized.

The Ministers noted that, despite the existing complex situation in the global economy, the positive dynamics of trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Russia has been maintained.

It was emphasized that the development of transport links and regional transport projects serves to strengthen the economic sustainability not only of the participating states but of the region as a whole. It was noted that projects implemented in this direction should serve the interests of all participants on the basis of mutual benefit, and should contribute to strengthening trust and to expanding economic development and regional cooperation.

Reviewing issues related to transport and transit cooperation, the sides noted the importance of developing cooperation within the framework of the International North-South Transport Corridor, expanding multimodal transportation, and increasing the efficiency of logistics routes.

At the meeting, issues of cooperation in the humanitarian field, the development of ties in the fields of culture, education, science and sport, and the promotion of people-to-people contacts and academic and youth exchanges were discussed.

In addition, the importance of creating favorable conditions for the citizens of both countries, expanding academic exchange, as well as continuing cooperation between cultural and educational institutions, was noted.

Attention was drawn to the environmental situation in the Caspian Sea, including the challenges arising from the decline in water levels, and to the importance of cooperation in this regard. The importance of coordinated action, scientific research and joint practical measures among the Caspian littoral states, with a view to resolving these problems, was noted.

The Ministers also discussed topical issues on the regional and international agenda. Touching upon the current situation in the South Caucasus, Minister Jeyhun Bayramov emphasized that the new realities that have taken shape in the region following the 44-day Patriotic War are based on the principles of international law, particularly the sovereignty, territorial integrity and inviolability of the internationally recognized borders of states.

Attention was drawn to the fact that Azerbaijan's commitment to the peace agenda and the constructive initiatives it has carried out, including the steps taken towards confidence-building, are making an important contribution to the advancement of the normalization process. Confidence was also expressed that the resolution of the remaining issues within the framework of the peace process would serve to further strengthen long-term stability, prosperity and mutual trust in the South Caucasus.

At the meeting, an exchange of views was held on the situation in the Middle East, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and other regional and international security issues. The importance of diplomatic dialogue and respect for the norms and principles of international law in ensuring peace and stability was emphasized.

The meeting also featured an exchange of views on other bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual interest.

The Ministers subsequently made statements at a press conference and answered questions from media representatives.

Within the framework of the visit, the Consultation Plan for 2026-2027 between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation was also signed.