Secretary of the Russian Security Council Sergey Shoigu said that the crisis phase in relations between Moscow and Baku has been overcome thanks to joint efforts.
He noted that the main task now is to develop Russian-Azerbaijani cooperation in accordance with the agreements reached between the leaders.
In a statement to Modern.az on the matter, Member of Parliament Elman Nasirov said that Russia, albeit late, realizes that Azerbaijan is a reliable partner:
“It is no secret that for a long time, Russian mass media have been conducting propaganda against Azerbaijan, and various high-ranking Russian officials have been making statements against our country. This once again shows that a large number of unresolved problems have accumulated in our bilateral relations. However, the recent activity indicating the elimination of tension in relations does not go unnoticed. In particular, Secretary of the Russian Security Council Sergey Shoigu made a statement that the tension between Russia and Azerbaijan is already behind and relations are returning to normal. This is no coincidence.”
The parliamentarian also recalled the impromptu conversation between Russian President Vladimir Putin and President Ilham Aliyev at the meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization held in the capital of Kyrgyzstan:
"At the same time, Vladimir Putin also spoke with the First Vice-President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Mehriban Aliyeva. When speaking about Armenia-Azerbaijan relations, Putin emphasized that the President of Azerbaijan is an extremely modern, educated and intellectual leader. These expressions and approaches, undoubtedly, indicate a change in Russia's attitude towards Azerbaijan."
Elman Nasirov stated that the Russian side is aware that relations with Armenia are deteriorating. Armenia, on the one hand, shows its interest in continuing relations with Russia, declares that it has not withdrawn and does not intend to withdraw from the Eurasian Economic Union, and on the other hand, expands cooperation with the European Union, and even does not hide its intention to hold a referendum on membership in the European Union. Azerbaijan, however, does not take such steps:
"The Azerbaijani state and its President Ilham Aliyev pursue a policy that prioritizes the national interests of the independent Azerbaijani people and in no way targets a third party with this policy. Just as the development of relations between Azerbaijan and the US is in no way directed against the Kremlin, the observation of positive trends in relations between Azerbaijan and Russia is not directed against the White House. This is well understood in both Moscow and Washington. Russia, albeit late, realizes that Azerbaijan is interested in the formation and development of stability and security in the region and does not take steps against Russia under the dictation of any state."
He noted that Azerbaijan has taken a principled position on these and other issues, and this position was formed not under the dictation of any state or international organization, but based on the interests of the Azerbaijani state. Russian President Vladimir Putin also realizes this reality:
"His positive remarks about Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev should not be considered accidental. I believe that Russia, albeit late, realizes that Azerbaijan is a reliable partner. The Russian political elite, after analyzing all aspects of Azerbaijan's regional and international policy, has come to the conclusion that Azerbaijan is a reliable partner, prioritizes its national interests, and it is necessary to restore and develop cooperation with this state," he said.
Nicat Rustam
