Russian President Vladimir Putin Arrives in Baku for State Visit

Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Baku on Sunday for a two-day state visit aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and discussing regional and international issues with his Azerbaijani counterpart, President Ilham Aliyev.

Putin touched down at Baku's Heydar Aliyev International Airport aboard a plane from the special flight detachment "Russia". A ceremonial green carpet, traditionally laid out for distinguished guests, greeted the Russian leader, with a guard of honor standing at attention.

The Russian president was welcomed at the airport by Azerbaijan's First Deputy Prime Minister Yagub Eyubov, with whom he exchanged a few welcoming remarks. Also present in the welcoming delegation were Azerbaijan's Deputy Foreign Minister Samir Sharifov and the country's Ambassador to Russia, Polad Bulbul-oglu. After greeting the officials, Putin proceeded to his waiting Aurus limousine and departed the airport.

According to Russian state news agency TASS, Putin's official meetings will commence on Monday, August 19. As per custom, he will begin his day by visiting the Alley of Honor to lay a wreath at the grave of Heydar Aliyev, the national leader of Azerbaijan. Putin will then visit the Alley of Martyrs to pay tribute to those who lost their lives in Azerbaijan's struggle for independence.

The formal discussions between the Russian and Azerbaijani leaders will begin with a welcoming ceremony at President Aliyev's country residence, Zagulba, situated along the shores of the Caspian Sea. The two presidents are expected to engage in a one-on-one meeting before expanding the talks to include other officials from both countries. The discussions will focus on the current state and future prospects of bilateral cooperation, as well as pressing regional and global issues.

Following the negotiations, the leaders will issue a joint statement, and several intergovernmental agreements are expected to be signed. Both leaders will then hold a press conference to brief the media on the outcomes of their talks.

In addition to the official agenda, Aliyev will take Putin on a tour of Baku's White City project, which focuses on restoring and developing the eastern part of the capital. The visit will conclude with a stop at the Cathedral of the Holy Myrrh-Bearing Women, after which President Aliyev will host a state reception in honor of the Russian leader.

The state visit underscores the importance of the Russia-Azerbaijan relationship, with both countries seeking to deepen cooperation on economic, political, and security matters in the region.