"That period is already behind us" Rahman Mustafayev on the new stage of relations with Russia, the role of diasporas, and the position on Ukraine

Russia and Azerbaijan are trying to leave behind the biggest crisis in relations in recent years. After the crash of an Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) plane at the end of 2024 and the ensuing diplomatic conflict, relations between the two countries deteriorated sharply. In recent months, the sides have been gradually returning to dialogue: on September 7, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev discussed bilateral cooperation and agreed to intensify contacts at various levels. Azerbaijan's Ambassador to Russia Rahman Sagib oglu Mustafayev told Lenta.ru about how successfully the consequences of the crisis have been overcome, what contradictions still remain, what is happening with the Azerbaijani diaspora in Russia, and how Azerbaijan sees the further development of relations between the two countries.

Lenta.ru: How do you assess the current stage of Russian-Azerbaijani relations?

Rahman Mustafayev: Fortunately, the acute phase of the crisis is already behind us. The current stage of bilateral relations is characterized by positive dynamics. We can note the constructive nature of Azerbaijani-Russian ties, the intensification of dialogue between governments, relevant ministries and agencies, and interregional cooperation.

Is this a return to the previous trajectory or a new model? I think both statements are true to a certain extent: we are returning to the spirit and letter of the Declaration on Allied Interaction of February 22, 2022, but already with a better understanding of each other's positions and consideration of each other's interests.

Azerbaijan and Russia are committed to the further development of bilateral interaction based on the principles of strategic partnership and alliance

This commitment was confirmed by the presidents of our countries during telephone conversations on March 11 and July 28.

- What problems and disagreements between Russia and Azerbaijan remain most acute today? How are the sides trying to overcome them?

Azerbaijani-Russian relations are a dynamic and multifaceted process.

Naturally, alongside positive developments, negative ones also emerge, and contradictions arise

As a rule, they are resolved through constructive dialogue at the highest and high levels.

I must note the negative information environment regarding Azerbaijan created by some Russian experts, bloggers, and journalists on social media and in the press. We have drawn the Russian side's attention to specific cases of offensive and provocative statements directed at our country and its leadership, which, in our view, damage the strategic partnership and allied relations. And we expect a principled response and concrete actions from Moscow to rectify this unacceptable situation.

How is interaction with relevant Russian agencies structured on issues concerning the Azerbaijani diaspora?

You have raised a very important area in which, unfortunately, serious problems and disagreements have also accumulated.

The tragic incident in Yekaterinburg last summer, which led to the deaths of Azerbaijani citizens, caused genuine shock in our country's public opinion. No less concerning are cases of pressure on leaders and representatives of the Azerbaijani community in Russia, as well as the revocation of their Russian citizenship.

It is understandable that this is Russia's internal affair. However, such decisions must be made in accordance with the Federal Law "On Citizenship of the Russian Federation" of April 28, 2023, and other regulatory acts that define the procedure for federal executive authorities to issue conclusions on actions constituting grounds for termination of citizenship. And I am not sure that this procedure is always followed. Overall, we would like to see more effective measures by the Russian side to protect the legitimate rights and interests of representatives of the Azerbaijani community who live, study, and work in Russia

We regard the Russian community in Azerbaijan and the Azerbaijani community in Russia as important factors in interethnic and interstate rapprochement.

This living bridge of dialogue and cooperation between our countries and peoples must be preserved and strengthened, not destroyed

We expect that the Russian side will support this approach.

- Azerbaijani-Ukrainian interaction remains a sensitive issue for Russia. How does Azerbaijan see the possible end of the Ukrainian conflict? What principles should form the basis of a sustainable settlement?

Azerbaijan's position has been repeatedly and openly stated by our country's President Ilham Aliyev, including at the recent international media forum held in Shusha.

We firmly and consistently support the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and inviolability of state borders. The borders of no state can be changed by force or without the consent of the people of that country. Our position on this is unwavering.

- In July, it became known about a closed meeting between representatives of Russia and Germany in Baku. What role could Azerbaijan play in international contacts on a Ukrainian settlement — serve as a platform for dialogue, a communication channel, or a participant in humanitarian initiatives?

If any of the roles you mentioned proves to be in demand in the future, Baku will, of course, consider the relevant proposals and respond to them. But for now, I cannot say anything specific on this matter.

- Another sensitive point in bilateral relations was the crash of the AZAL Embraer 190 aircraft in December 2024. At what stage is the issue of compensation for the families of the victims? What details is the Azerbaijani side prepared to comment on publicly?

All issues related to the AZAL plane crash, including the payment of compensation, were fully settled in April of this year in accordance with the agreements reached by the presidents of Azerbaijan and Russia during their meeting in Dushanbe on October 9 of last year.

We proceed from the assumption that this sad chapter in our bilateral relations is closed, and we actively support the process of normalizing relations

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