The Russian foreign ministry described Azerbaijan as Moscow’s important partner in the South Caucasus and the Caspian region
MOSCOW, July 17. /The Times of Russia/. The Russia Azerbaijan foreign ministers meeting is taking place in Moscow as Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov hosts Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov during his two-day official visit to Russia. The discussions are expected to focus on strengthening bilateral cooperation while addressing important regional and international developments.
According to Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, the ministers will review the current state of Russia-Azerbaijan relations and discuss future opportunities for expanding cooperation across multiple sectors. They will also exchange views on several regional and global issues of mutual interest.
Bayramov previously visited Moscow in December 2023. His latest face-to-face meeting with Lavrov took place in April 2025 during the Antalya Diplomatic Forum in Türkiye.
The Russian Foreign Ministry stated that the visit reflects the continuation of the trust-based political dialogue between the two countries and supports the further expansion of mutually beneficial cooperation.
Russia Azerbaijan Foreign Ministers Meeting Highlights Strong Partnership
The Russia Azerbaijan foreign ministers meeting underscores Azerbaijan’s role as one of Russia’s key partners in both the South Caucasus and the Caspian region.
The Russian Foreign Ministry described the relationship as one built on longstanding friendship and good-neighborly ties. It added that cooperation between the two countries is guided by equality, mutual respect, and careful consideration of each other’s national interests.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has repeatedly stated that relations between Baku and Moscow are founded on centuries of friendship and mutual respect. In his Russia Day congratulatory message to President Vladimir Putin, Aliyev expressed satisfaction with the steady growth of bilateral relations, highlighting progress in trade, economic cooperation, regional partnerships, cultural exchanges, and humanitarian initiatives.
The ministry also noted that Russia and Azerbaijan continue to maintain regular dialogue at both the highest political level and among senior officials. More than 150 international legal agreements have already been concluded between the two countries.
Regional Cooperation Remains a Priority
During the Russia Azerbaijan foreign ministers meeting, regional security and cooperation are also expected to receive significant attention.
The Russian Foreign Ministry highlighted the importance of the 3+3 Regional Cooperation Platform, which includes Russia, Iran, Türkiye, Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Georgia. According to the ministry, the platform offers significant potential by encouraging regional countries and neighboring states to resolve challenges together without destructive external interference.
Moscow also reaffirmed its commitment to promoting lasting peace and stability in the South Caucasus.
Russia remains prepared to assist Azerbaijan and Armenia in achieving fully normalized relations, including support for concluding a peace treaty, delimiting their shared border, and reopening transport links. The ministry noted that these efforts continue to follow the trilateral agreements signed at the highest level between 2020 and 2022.
Trade and Investment Continue to Expand
Economic cooperation remains one of the strongest pillars of Russia-Azerbaijan relations.
According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, Russia’s accumulated investment in Azerbaijan’s economy now exceeds $10 billion.
On April 16, the 24th meeting of the Russian-Azerbaijani Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation was successfully held in Zangilan, Azerbaijan.
More than 1,400 companies with Russian capital currently operate in Azerbaijan, including VTB Bank, Lukoil, Geropharm, Sibalux, Penoplex, and Abrau-Dyurso.
Russian manufacturers including KAMAZ, GAZ Group, Sollers, and AvtoVAZ also maintain vehicle assembly facilities within Azerbaijan.
The ministry further emphasized the importance of interregional cooperation, noting that approximately 80 constituent entities of the Russian Federation participate in partnerships with Azerbaijan. Eighteen Russian regions have already signed agreements covering trade, economic, scientific, technical, and cultural cooperation.
Cultural and Educational Cooperation Continues to Grow
The Russian Foreign Ministry identified cultural and humanitarian collaboration as another important area of bilateral relations.
Several joint projects aimed at strengthening people-to-people connections are currently underway, including reciprocal tours by performing arts groups from both countries.
Education also remains an important element of cooperation. More than 9,000 Azerbaijani students are currently studying in Russia, with tuition for over 1,000 students funded through Russia’s federal budget.
Additionally, Russia allocates nearly 280 government-funded university scholarships each year for Azerbaijani citizens pursuing higher education in Russian institutions.
Conclusion
The Russia Azerbaijan foreign ministers meeting demonstrates the continued commitment of both countries to strengthening political dialogue, expanding economic cooperation, enhancing cultural ties, and supporting regional stability. As reported by The Times of Russia, the discussions reflect the long-standing partnership between Moscow and Baku while reinforcing cooperation across diplomacy, trade, education, and security. The Times of Russia will continue following developments from the ministerial talks.
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