Putin in Baku: Visit beyond the borders of the South Caucasus

Russian President Vladimir Putin is making a two-day visit to Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan. It is noteworthy that the visit will last two days and that he will not visit Armenia afterward. It seems that the effects of this visit will not be limited to the South Caucasus.

As United World International, we asked Azerbaijani political commentator Tegeran Tagdygov, who is currently in Baku, about this visit.

We are sharing his answer with you.

Putin’s visit to Azerbaijan is very important. Putin’s last visit to Azerbaijan was in September 2018. Much has changed in the South Caucasus in 6 years. The implementation of the first visit against the backdrop of the restoration of Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity also sends important signals to the world.

We know that President Putin rarely visits any country. His last such visit was to North Korea. I think that the Russian President’s visit to Azerbaijan will lead to many innovations in the world political arena. Firstly, the meeting between Aliyev and Putin should be assessed against the backdrop of Russian-Azerbaijani friendship. Azerbaijan always pursues a balanced policy. We are never indifferent to the processes taking place in the region. However, Azerbaijan is one of the few countries that does not follow the dictates of other countries. Ilham Aliyev’s main foreign policy is peace.

For this reason, it is clear that Azerbaijan is pursuing a neutral policy against the backdrop of the Russian-Ukrainian war. Russia has always respected this step by Azerbaijan.

Peace in the South Caucasus

As for the details of the trip, there are actually many points to discuss. One of them is the final peace in the South Caucasus. Moscow is promoting peace between Baku and Yerevan.

But the saddest thing is the arming of Armenia by the US and France. This is not a factor that serves to strengthen Armenia. The main issue is the threat to the region. The arming of Armenia indicates the West’s plans to open a second front against Russia. At such a time, it is unacceptable to use Armenia as a puppet. I think this will be one of the main topics of discussion among the leaders.

Projects in the field of transportation and economy

The second issue is the opening of transport communications. Today, against the backdrop of intense wars, there is a need for a strong economy. Against the backdrop of the West’s absurd sanctions against Russia, we must create new economic innovations together with our partners. Turkic countries, Russia and China represent half of the world economy. Therefore, an economic union of the aforementioned partners can become a solid response to the West.

Therefore, there is a serious need to open the Zangezur corridor. I think that Aliyev and Putin will discuss this topic as well.

Will Azerbaijan become a member of the SCO?

Azerbaijan’s membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and BRICS will also be discussed. New realities in the South Caucasus require new economic projects, and Azerbaijan has a desire to participate in reliable organizations.

Azerbaijan and Russia are allied countries. We create our own reality. In this direction, Aliyev and Putin have many topics to discuss. The meeting will be remembered for its serious results. Of course, the meeting of leaders in Baku is designed for economic power and peace throughout the world.