Putin arrives in Baku for talks with Azerbaijan’s Aliyev

Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Azerbaijan on Sunday for a two-day visit.

Putin was welcomed by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev at Baku’s International Airport. Following their arrival, the leaders shared a dinner before engaging in informal discussions, according to reports from the Russian state-run TASS news agency.

High-level dialogues

The visit, scheduled for Aug. 18-19, highlights the high level of allied interaction between the two nations, according to Azerbaijani Ambassador to Russia Polad Bulbuloglu.

“The presidents will exchange views on topical issues of regional and international politics, in particular the Azerbaijani-Armenian settlement,” the Kremlin press service earlier said in a statement.

“Following the visit, a joint statement by presidents of the two countries will be adopted and several agreements, intergovernmental and otherwise, will be signed,” Kremlin further said.

Details of visit

In addition to official meetings, President Putin will participate in several symbolic events. He will visit the Alley of Honor to lay a wreath at the grave of Azerbaijan’s national leader Heydar Aliyev, followed by a visit to the Alley of Martyrs to honor those who died for Azerbaijan’s independence.

The visit also coincides with the 50th anniversary of the Baikal-Amur Mainline (BAM), a major Soviet-era construction project in which Heydar Aliyev played a crucial role.

The talks are expected to result in a joint statement and the signing of several interstate agreements.

President Putin’s visit will also include a tour of the Baku White City, a development project in the city’s eastern part, and a visit to the Holy Myrrhbearers Cathedral.