Aliyev and Putin met in Astana

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev met in Astana, where they came to attend the 24th Heads of State Summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). The capital of Kazakhstan, Astana, is hosting the 24th Heads of State Summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). Alongside President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev are also participating in the summit. Putin and Aliyev, who are in Astana for the summit, held a bilateral meeting before the summit. During the meeting where the two leaders discussed the relations between their countries, they provided evaluations in the open part of the meeting. Putin expressed his satisfaction with meeting Aliyev, stating, ‘The volume of our cooperation is very large. I would like to draw your attention to the positive development in the trade and economic field, which are the basis of our relations. There is a trade volume of over 4 billion in the Azerbaijani economy and approximately 4.5 billion direct Russian investment.’ Putin also mentioned achieving a 13% growth in the first half of the year, touched upon infrastructure plans, and referred to the North-South Transport Corridor. The Russian leader added that they are acting in accordance with the agreement signed with Azerbaijan in 2022, stating, ‘It provides a good foundation for the development of relations in all areas.’ Referring to the Russian Culture Days in Azerbaijan, Russian President Vladimir Putin concluded his statement by saying, ‘I always appreciate the special interest you show in supporting the Russian language. In Azerbaijan, more than 300 schools conduct activities in Russian, teaching Russian to young people and children. This forms a good basis for continuing and improving our relations in the future.’ ‘Approximately 1 million students are receiving Russian education in Azerbaijan,’ stated Aliyev, emphasizing that they meet almost every month, which demonstrates the successful resolution of various issues. Aliyev added, ‘The growth in the trade volume between our countries is an indicator of our economies actively cooperating. It is pleasing that mutual payments are increasing through national currencies. Azerbaijan’s exports to Russia are already over 70%, while Russia’s exports to Azerbaijan are around 50%. Our humanitarian cooperation always forms the basis of our interaction. I am grateful to you for always appreciating Azerbaijan’s attitude towards the Russian language, culture, and literature. The Russian Culture Days in Azerbaijan, which have achieved great success, once again demonstrate this.’ Aliyev concluded his statement by saying, ‘In Azerbaijan, approximately 150,000 students study in Russian schools, and around 800,000 students learn Russian as a second language, totaling about 1 million students receiving Russian education. This means that the new generation will interact and speak Russian at least as much as we do. We last discussed the North-South project with you in Moscow. Since then, there have been positive developments. We are determined to expand the infrastructure of the North-South Transport Corridor on Azerbaijani territory. As you mentioned, we also have new ideas in the energy field, and our relevant institutions are constantly in touch. As you stated, we signed a declaration in 2022, which is being successfully implemented. We have been working together as allies for over two years, and we have shown that we have achieved good results.’