BAKU — Russian President Vladimir Putin’s recent two-day state visit to Azerbaijan has underscored the strategic importance of Azerbaijan’s foreign policy, which prioritizes its own national interests amid geopolitical tensions between the West and Russia.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the visit is significant from political, economic, and cultural perspectives. Russia, a key global power, continues to exert influence in the South Caucasus, and its relationship with Azerbaijan is based on principles of equality and non-interference. In a joint press statement with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, Putin emphasized Russia’s commitment to developing multifaceted, friendly relations with Azerbaijan, which he described as being rooted in equality and a shared cultural heritage.
The bilateral relationship between the two countries has deepened since the signing of the “Declaration on Allied Interaction” in February 2022, which has seen both nations successfully fulfill their obligations under the agreement. A major focus of this cooperation is the pursuit of peace and security in the South Caucasus, particularly in the context of the ongoing peace process and the opening of the Zangazur corridor, as confirmed in the tripartite declaration.
Economically, the relationship has also flourished, with trade between the two nations reaching a record $4.5 billion in 2023. This trade is expected to grow further, bolstered by increased exports of agricultural and industrial products from Azerbaijan to Russia, as well as a sharp rise in Russian tourism and transit cargo transportation. Both countries are also keen on developing the North-South transport corridor, which is viewed as a viable alternative to traditional routes disrupted by the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
In addition to these bilateral developments, Azerbaijan and Russia are collaborating on international platforms, with Baku seeking to enhance its role within organizations like the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and BRICS, with Moscow’s support. However, despite close ties with Russia, Azerbaijan maintains a balanced foreign policy, avoiding alignment with any military-political bloc and engaging constructively with Western countries.
Amid the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Azerbaijan has provided humanitarian aid to Ukraine while maintaining diplomatic dialogue with both Ukrainian and Russian leaders. President Aliyev’s ability to balance these complex relationships has been recognized by experts and the public in both countries. Azerbaijan’s potential role as a mediator in the conflict, leveraging its experience as a chair of the Non-Aligned Movement, is seen as a realistic prospect.
Azerbaijan’s energy cooperation with the European Union, particularly in the context of diversifying energy supplies away from Russia, further demonstrates its strategic balancing act. Since February 2022, Azerbaijan has stepped up to meet the EU’s energy needs following the latter’s decision to cut off Russian gas supplies.
The visit by President Putin is therefore seen as a critical step towards strengthening peace and security in the South Caucasus, solidifying Azerbaijan’s role as a key player in regional stability.