In his remarks and responses to questions, Bayramov said that Azerbaijani-Russian relations had been fully normalized, highlighted the positive dynamics of trade and economic cooperation, and spoke about plans to restore direct flights and further develop the North–South transport corridor, News.Az reports.
Particular attention was also paid to the peace process between Azerbaijan and Armenia, the situation in the Caspian Sea, the Russia–Ukraine conflict, and the prospects for the regional “3+3” platform.
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Below are 15 key points from the remarks and responses of Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov.
Azerbaijan and Russia have fully normalized bilateral relations
According to Jeyhun Bayramov, Azerbaijani-Russian relations faced certain difficulties in the recent past. However, the two countries managed to turn this difficult page and fully normalize the entire spectrum of bilateral relations.
The presidents of the two countries played a decisive role in restoring relations
Bayramov noted that normalization became possible thanks to the personal positions of the presidents of Azerbaijan and Russia. The full-scale restoration of relations followed the personal meeting between Ilham Aliyev and Vladimir Putin in October 2025 on the sidelines of an international event in Dushanbe.
Relations between Azerbaijan and Russia are allied in nature
The minister stressed that Azerbaijan and Russia are neighboring countries linked by centuries-old historical, cultural, and humanitarian ties. Strong relations between the peoples of the two countries serve as the foundation of interstate cooperation.
The talks with Sergey Lavrov covered the entire bilateral agenda
The sides discussed in detail the implementation of agreements reached at the highest level, as well as prospects for cooperation in new areas. Bayramov described the talks as comprehensive, productive, constructive, and businesslike.
Trade and economic cooperation continues to show positive dynamics
Despite difficulties in the global economy, trade and economic ties between Azerbaijan and Russia continue to develop. In 2025, bilateral trade amounted to approximately $4.9 billion, representing an increase of around 2.5 percent compared with 2024.
The Intergovernmental Commission remains a key mechanism of economic cooperation
The Intergovernmental Commission plays a particularly important role in developing trade, economic, and investment ties. Its 24th meeting was held in Zangilan in April 2026, while the next session is expected to take place before the end of the year.
A meeting between the Azerbaijani and Russian deputy prime ministers is planned for September
Bayramov announced a preliminary agreement to hold a meeting in September between Azerbaijani Deputy Prime Minister Shahin Mustafayev and Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Overchuk. The sides are expected to discuss a number of trade, economic, and investment projects.
The Azerbaijan–Russia Business Council has been established
A bilateral business council was established in 2026 to bring together representatives of the business communities and private sectors of Azerbaijan and Russia. The new body is expected to contribute to the expansion of economic and investment cooperation.
The sides will continue developing the North–South transport corridor
Azerbaijan views the development of modern transport infrastructure as an important element of regional connectivity and economic resilience. The talks covered the implementation of agreements related to the North–South route, the development of multimodal transportation, and the effective integration of logistics routes.
A number of direct flights are expected to resume
According to Bayramov, direct air services on several routes affected by restrictions following the tragic incident involving an Azerbaijani civilian aircraft in December 2024 are expected to resume in the near future.
Humanitarian cooperation remains a priority
Azerbaijan and Russia intend to maintain and expand people-to-people contacts and develop cooperation in culture, education, science, and sport. Bayramov stressed that humanitarian ties have traditionally occupied an important place in relations between the two countries.
The decline in the level of the Caspian Sea requires joint action
The sides discussed environmental problems affecting the Caspian Sea, including the decline in its water level, which may have serious environmental and socioeconomic consequences. Bayramov called on the Caspian littoral states to combine their efforts, conduct joint scientific research, and adopt comprehensive practical measures.
Peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia already exists de facto
Bayramov stated that the initialing of the draft peace agreement and other normalization developments had created a unique opportunity for long-term peace, security, and prosperity in the South Caucasus.
According to him, Azerbaijan’s positive peace initiatives and confidence-building measures have significantly accelerated the normalization process between Baku and Yerevan. The completion of the remaining tasks within the peace process should create conditions for the establishment of a stable and prosperous region.
Azerbaijan is concerned about the conflict between Russia and Ukraine
The Azerbaijani foreign minister said that the ongoing armed conflict continues to cause human suffering and has a serious negative impact on stability in the wider region.
Azerbaijan reaffirms its commitment to the principles and norms of international law and calls for reduced tensions, de-escalation, and a peaceful settlement of the conflict.
Azerbaijan’s proposal to host the next “3+3” platform meeting remains on the table
Bayramov recalled that the initiative to establish the “3+3” platform was proposed by the president of Azerbaijan in 2021. Since then, three meetings have taken place in Moscow, Tehran, and Istanbul.
Following the third meeting in 2024, the Azerbaijani side proposed holding the next session in Azerbaijan. Baku remains ready to host the meeting, provided there is consensus among the participants and the entire range of issues of mutual interest to the regional states is discussed.
