Moscow: On 17 July, during his official visit to the Russian Federation, Azerbaijan's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jeyhun Bayramov, met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Moscow, as reported by APA, citing a statement from the Azerbaijan Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the discussions between the ministers covered a wide range of topics, including the Azerbaijan-Russia bilateral agenda. The dialogue encompassed cooperation in political, economic, trade, transport, and humanitarian areas, alongside regional and international security issues. A key focus was the implementation of agreements previously reached between the two nations, with particular attention to the economic and trade sectors. The role of the Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation and the Azerbaijan-Russia Business Council was highlighted as vital components of this partnership.
The meeting underscored the significance of developing transport links and regional projects to bolster economic resilience for the involved states and the broader region. The ministers emphasized the importance of the International North-South Transport Corridor, advocating for expanded multimodal transportation and improved logistics routes to enhance efficiency.
In the humanitarian sphere, discussions centered on advancing cultural, educational, scientific, and sports ties, as well as fostering people-to-people contacts and academic and youth exchanges. Environmental concerns, such as the declining water levels in the Caspian Sea, were also addressed, highlighting the necessity for cooperative efforts to tackle these challenges.
The ministers deliberated on urgent regional and international issues, with a special focus on the South Caucasus. Minister Bayramov highlighted the new realities in the region post the 44-day Patriotic War, grounded in international law principles such as state sovereignty and territorial integrity. Azerbaijan's dedication to a peace agenda and its constructive initiatives were noted as pivotal in advancing normalization processes.
Additionally, the meeting included exchanges on the Middle East situation, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and other regional and international security concerns. The importance of diplomatic dialogue and adherence to international law norms was emphasized to ensure peace and stability.
As a significant outcome of the visit, the Consultation Plan for 2026-2027 between the Foreign Ministries of Azerbaijan and Russia was signed, marking a commitment to continued collaboration.