Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev conveyed his apologies and heartfelt condolences to Russian President Vladimir Putin during a telephone conversation. These condolences were expressed in relation to the tragic incident involving the Russian peacekeeping contingent in Karabakh on September 20. The Kremlin's press service made this announcement.
"At the initiative of the Azerbaijani side, a telephone conversation was held between Russian President Vladimir Putin and the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev," the report stated.
During the conversation, Aliyev offered his apologies and extended heartfelt condolences for the tragic loss of Russian peacekeeping personnel in Karabakh on September 20. Both leaders emphasized the commitment to conducting a thorough investigation into the incident and ensuring that those responsible are held accountable. The report also highlights the close communication between the Prosecutor General's Offices of both countries regarding this matter.
"The President of Azerbaijan also conveyed his readiness to offer financial support to the families of the deceased victims," as highlighted by the press service of the Russian head of state.
On importance of assistance to RPC
Putin and Aliyev underscored the significance of implementing the agreements on the cessation of hostilities in Karabakh, which were achieved with the assistance of Russian peacekeepers.
"Both parties emphasized the critical importance of faithfully implementing the agreements achieved with the support of the Russian peacekeeping contingent (RPC) for the comprehensive cessation of hostilities in Karabakh," stated the Kremlin in a press release.
It is emphasized that "significant importance in this regard is attributed to the ongoing negotiations between representatives of Baku and Stepanakert, which were initiated with the mediation of the peacekeepers."
On trilateral talks
The leaders also agreed to intensify the trilateral negotiation process, which includes Armenia, particularly focusing on the preparation of a peace treaty between Baku and Yerevan.
"It was agreed to accelerate efforts in accordance with the established trilateral agreements between 2020 and 2022, with a primary focus on unblocking transportation routes, demarcating the Azerbaijani-Armenian border, and the preparation of a peace treaty between Baku and Yerevan," the statement reads.
On interaction with RPC
Aliyev affirmed Baku's willingness to cooperate with Russian peacekeepers in Nagorno-Karabakh for de-escalation. Specifically, the leaders addressed key measures to enhance regional stability and address humanitarian challenges. Putin underscored the importance of safeguarding the rights and security of Karabakh's Armenian population.
"The Azerbaijani side's readiness to collaborate with Russian peacekeepers on these matters was reaffirmed," the report stated.
Contacts between Putin and Aliyev
The previous telephone conversation between Putin and Aliyev occurred in mid-March of this year. During that call, they discussed security and stability measures in the South Caucasus, in accordance with the trilateral agreements involving Russia, Azerbaijan, and Armenia. They also exchanged perspectives on regional transportation, logistics, and economic relationships.
The last in-person meeting between the Russian and Azerbaijani leaders took place in late May, following the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council (EEC) meeting in Moscow. Their discussions encompassed topics such as the reconciliation of relations between Baku and Yerevan, cooperation between the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) members and Azerbaijan, and the advancement of Russian-Azerbaijani collaboration.
On Karabakh issue
Baku and Yerevan have been embroiled in a territorial dispute over Nagorno-Karabakh since 1988. In September 2020, intense conflict erupted in the region once again. This led to a significant development on November 9, when Russian President Vladimir Putin, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan jointly agreed to a statement marking the full cessation of hostilities. Russian peacekeepers were deployed to facilitate humanitarian corridor operations in the region.
At the Council of Europe summit in Reykjavik on May 17, 2023, Pashinyan publicly affirmed that Yerevan recognizes Azerbaijan's sovereignty within its internationally recognized borders, which encompass Nagorno-Karabakh.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: official website of the President of the Russian Federation
Based on materials from TASS