# Azerbaijan-Russia Relations at a New Stage: The Meeting in Dushanbe Became a Turning Point

The meeting and normalization of relations have been received very positively in Russia as well

"The meeting between the presidents proved that our relations have already returned to a positive track and have been completely normalized. This is confirmed by the statements made by the opposite side during the negotiations. From Vladimir Putin's rhetoric, we understood that the issues related to the incident are being resolved, and the investigation is nearing completion."

These words were expressed in a comment to BAKU.WS by Doctor of Philosophy in Political Sciences, political scientist **Shabnam Hasanova**.

The political expert responded that the timing of the meeting between the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin, and especially the moment of returning relations to a normal track, was awaited not only by the mentioned parties. The current situation and the trajectory of process development at the subsequent stage were among the main topics of discussion for regional and global actors, political circles:

"Everyone who is capable of showing a sober approach in politics was unanimously convinced that a negative scenario of events would not bring success to either side and would actually strike a blow to many processes. However, society's demands were different. This could not be ignored, nor can it be now. Our state, the head of our state also acted principally in this direction.

At this stage, the meeting of the heads of state that took place in Dushanbe should be assessed exclusively positively. We are neighboring states and peoples. Our societies are integrated into each other. We cannot change our geography... As the head of our state noted, we must focus on the positive aspects that the geographical factor provides. The meeting proved that our relations have already returned to a positive track and have been completely normalized. This is confirmed by the statements made by the opposite side during the negotiations. From Vladimir Putin's rhetoric, we understood that the issues related to the incident are being resolved, and the investigation is nearing completion. Naturally, we also expect its completion. We want an objective approach to be presented on every detail."

Shabnam Hasanova added that this meeting and the statements mean, first of all, the failure of Simonyan, Solovyov, Zatulin and similar Armenophile forces:

"It was precisely these circles that were the main figures in the deterioration of relations. One of the factors that most worried the Azerbaijani side was the anti-Azerbaijani narrative that prevailed in Russia, when these Armenophile circles conducted a dirty campaign against us.

The statements of the President of Russia before the media clarified these factors as well. In conclusion, we emphasize the point that the meeting and the normalization of relations are perceived very positively in Russia's political sphere, in society and in the press. This positive aura testifies to many things."

Orkhan Huseyn