Russia expresses willingness to mediate Armenia-Azerbaijan peace deal

Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed Russia’s readiness to assist in brokering a peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan during a meeting with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev in Baku on Monday.

Speaking during the talks, Putin highlighted Russia’s historical involvement in the South Caucasus, reaffirming the country’s commitment to contributing to peace efforts in the region, despite its ongoing conflict with Ukraine. “While Russia faces its own crises, particularly in the Ukrainian direction, our historical involvement in the South Caucasus, especially in recent years, underscores our need to participate in these events, naturally, as much as the parties require,” Putin said.

The Russian president stated that Moscow is prepared to aid in the delimitation and demarcation of borders between the two nations and to unlock economic and logistical opportunities. He emphasized that any role Russia could play in facilitating a peace deal would be undertaken with full consent from both sides.

Putin also announced plans to brief Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on the outcomes of the Baku talks after his visit. “If there is any role we can play in facilitating the signing of a peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia, advancing the delimitation and demarcation of borders, or unlocking economic and logistical opportunities, we would gladly do so,” he added.

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev confirmed Azerbaijan’s intent to conclude settlement procedures and hailed the changing geopolitical landscape in the region. Aliyev noted that the events of September 2023 had led to Azerbaijan’s full restoration of sovereignty and territorial integrity in the Karabakh region, which has opened new opportunities for establishing long-term peace in the South Caucasus.

Aliyev also underscored the importance of stability and security, citing both Russia and Azerbaijan as key players in ensuring these goals within the region.

The two leaders also discussed the development of bilateral relations, with Putin acknowledging the potential for increased trade between Russia and Azerbaijan. Aliyev highlighted the successful implementation of the Declaration on Allied Cooperation signed between the two countries in February 2022, noting the growth in political and economic cooperation as well as partnerships in the energy, transport, and humanitarian sectors.

In addition to bilateral cooperation, the North-South transport corridor was a key point of discussion during the meeting. Aliyev emphasized the project’s importance for interstate relations and regional transport routes. He reported that the railway and automobile sections of the corridor have been fully implemented within Azerbaijan and that efforts are underway to further increase its capacity. Aliyev announced that approximately $120 million has been allocated this year to modernize the railway infrastructure to accommodate the transportation of up to 30 tons of goods annually.

Putin echoed Russia’s interest in the North-South transport corridor, stating that its successful implementation would benefit all countries involved, allowing them to access the Indian Ocean.

Both leaders emphasized the significance of continued cooperation between Russia and Azerbaijan to ensure stability and economic growth in the South Caucasus.