Russian President Vladimir Putin‘s recent meeting with his Azerbaijani counterpart, Ilham Aliyev, highlights the significance of trade and regional stability in the South Caucasus. Amidst the complexities of the region, the two leaders emphasized the importance of their bilateral relations, strengthening ties that have been crucial to each other’s economic interests. Putin’s diplomatic efforts aim to secure Moscow’s trade routes and solidify its position in the region. The meeting comes as part of a two-day trip, with trade links being a top priority.
Aliyev announced that $120 million has been allocated to boost cargo transportation between the two countries, with the goal of transporting 15 million tons of cargo per year or more. This comes as the Russia-Azerbaijan turnover crossed the four-billion-dollar mark last year, with neither country considering this the end goal. The Azerbaijani president emphasized the significance of the robust trade ties between the two nations, noting that they are crucial to each other’s economic interests.
Russia relies on Azerbaijan as a transit country to access global markets, while Azerbaijan’s geographical location allows it to connect Russia to world markets through Iran and ports in the Indian Ocean. This makes it a vital link in Russia’s foreign trade. The ongoing tensions between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the Karabakh region have created challenges, but both countries recognize the importance of resolving their disputes. Zardusht Alizade, an independent political scientist, notes that Russia can play a key role in settling the dispute between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
Vladimir Putin (Via Vladimir Putin/Twitter)
Putin’s overtures towards Azerbaijan are seen as a priority for the Russian leader, as he increasingly depends on countries like Azerbaijan to access global markets due to sanctions imposed on Moscow over its war on Ukraine. Despite the complexities, Moscow and Azerbaijan aim to strengthen their trade ties and ensure the stability of their bilateral relations. The meeting between Putin and Aliyev underscores their commitment to strengthening their relations and promoting regional stability.
As the world grapples with the complexities of the South Caucasus, Russia’s diplomatic overtures towards Azerbaijan are likely to play a critical role in shaping the region’s future. The meeting between the two leaders marks a crucial step in strengthening their bilateral relations, particularly in the context of the ongoing tensions between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Ultimately, the success of their efforts will depend on their ability to balance competing interests and maintain the delicate balance of power in the region.
