Russia's Interests in Azerbaijan: Retrospective Analysis and Future Outlook

For the first time since launching a full-scale war against Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin has made an official state visit to the South Caucasus, specifically to Baku. The timing of Putin’s visit to the South Caucasus is no coincidence, as it occurs amid growing tendencies to distance from Russia in the region, with the Armenian government and the Georgian people increasingly advocating for accelerated integration with the West. Additionally, talks are ongoing regarding the opening of the Armenia-Turkey border.

The two-day visit of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to Uzbekistan on August 22-23, 2024, marked another phase in the deepening relations between the two countries. Concluding with the signing of the Treaty on Allied Relations, this visit elevated bilateral relations to the level of a strategic alliance, positioning both countries as vital partners in the broader context of Central Asia and the Caucasus. Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev highly praised this agreement, calling it a breakthrough in their developing cooperation, which has gained momentum in recent years.

Russian President Vladimir Putin may visit Azerbaijan on August 19, according to Russian media reports last week. This news preceded and essentially explained the 22nd meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission (IGC) on Economic Cooperation between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Russian Federation held in Baku on August 9, which took place without media coverage.

On August 9, 2024, under the chairmanship of Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the Sixth Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia took place. This meeting marked a turning point in deepening cooperation in Central Asia, heralding a new era characterized by mutual trust and comprehensive interaction.