Bayramov brought to attention of new Russian Ambassador Baku's disagreement with statement of Russian Foreign Ministry

Baku/15.07.23/Turan: Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ceyhun Bayramov received newly appointed Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Azerbaijan, Mikhail Evdokimov on 17 July.

The Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry's press service reports that the Russian diplomat presented Minister Bayramov with a copy of his credentials.

During the meeting, the importance of development of relations between Azerbaijan and Russia within the framework of bilateral and multilateral agreements, in terms of good-neighbourliness, friendship and mutual understanding was stressed.

Then, the sides exchanged views on the situation in the region after the 44-day Patriotic War, the Azerbaijani-Armenian peace process, as well as cooperation within international organisations. It was noted that in accordance with the Declaration on Allied Cooperation between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Russian Federation, the two countries build their relations on the principles of independence, mutual respect for state sovereignty and territorial integrity.

At the same time, Bayramov stressed that "recognition of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the Republic of Azerbaijan with reference to the position of the Armenian side does not correspond to the said agreements". Allegations in the Russian Foreign Ministry's statement of 15 July that a "tense humanitarian situation" has developed in the region due to the activity of the Lachin border crossing point distort reality.

On the contrary, in violation of the trilateral statement, to which Russia is a party, illegal activities have been carried out using the Lachin road, including the supply of arms and mines from Armenia to the territory of Azerbaijan. "It was noted that the establishment of the Lachin border crossing point by the Azerbaijani side is a sovereign right aimed at preventing illegal activities as well as ensuring transparency. Nevertheless, the Armenian side did not give up provocations against the said checkpoint committed on 15 June and early July. The Azerbaijani side, nevertheless, created conditions for Armenian residents to pass through this point. At the same time, it was noted that it is possible to use the Aghdam-Khankendi road to meet the needs of Armenian residents of Azerbaijan," the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry further said.

As for the issue of "right and security" of Armenian residents, mentioned in the statement of the Russian Foreign Ministry, this issue will be resolved within the framework of the national legislation of Azerbaijan and there is an initiative of dialogue with Armenian residents for this purpose. The sides then discussed other bilateral and regional issues of mutual interest, the Azerbaijani MFA press release concluded.-0-