State visit to Azerbaijan: Putin wants to tie Baku closer to Russia

Official visit to Azerbaijan
Putin wants to tie Baku closer to Russia

August 19, 2024, 2:41 am

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Kremlin leader Putin will be in Baku for two days, where he will meet with Azerbaijani leader Aliyev. The two autocrats want to talk about strategic partnership and “international and regional issues”. Neighboring Armenia, others may be watching closely.

Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin is on a state visit to the former Soviet republic of Azerbaijan during the war crisis. President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev welcomed Putin at Baku airport. Like Putin, who rules Russia in an authoritarian manner, Aliyev has led his country harshly for years and has been criticized for severe human rights abuses.

After dinner together, the two rulers retreated to their first informal talks, Russian state agency TASS reported. Putin’s plans for the visit include talks with Aliyev on improving the strategic partnership between the two countries. According to the Kremlin, several documents are to be signed, and discussions are also planned on “international and regional issues” – including the conflict between Azerbaijan and neighboring Armenia.

Armenia relies on the West

A military offensive in September 2023 brought Azerbaijan under its control over Nagorno-Karabakh, which is predominantly Armenian and belongs to Azerbaijan under international law. Armenia, traditionally under Russian protection, was angered by the non-intervention of allied troops stationed in the Nagorno-Karabakh region during the Azerbaijani offensive.

Armenia then turned significantly towards the West, including the United States – much to Russia’s chagrin. Armenia and Azerbaijan were part of the Soviet Union until 1991, but Russia now considers both as part of its sphere of influence. Azerbaijan — which Putin last visited in 2018 — is a major natural gas producer. Since Russia is no longer a supplier as a result of the war in Ukraine, many European countries have increased their gas imports from the country.

Putin, who is wanted internationally on suspicion of war crimes against Ukraine, does not have to fear arrest in Azerbaijan. The oil and gas-rich Republic of the South Caucasus is also an important energy supplier to the European Union.