Russian President Vladimir Putin has arrived in Azerbaijan for a two-day state visit, the Kremlin’s press service said on August 18.
Russian television broadcast images of Putin's plane arriving in Baku in the evening.
Putin is due to hold talks with his Azerbaijani counterpart, Ilham Aliyev, on bilateral relations and "international and regional problems" during his visit, the Kremlin said.
One of the main topics to be discussed will be the further development of the “Russia-Azerbaijan strategic partnership and alliance," the Kremlin’s press service said. Other “relevant international and regional issues” are also expected to be discussed.
According to the Kremlin, a joint statement and several other documents will be signed. RIA Novosti reported that in addition to signing the documents Aliyev and Putin will also make statements to the press.
Putin is expected to comment on peace negotiations between Armenia and Azerbaijan, which have been taking place following years of conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh.
Yerevan and Baku have been negotiating a peace treaty since Azerbaijan retook control of the Nagorno-Karabakh region in September 2023 in a lightning offensive.
SEE ALSO: A Constitutional Amendment That Could Lead To Peace Between Armenia And AzerbaijanA traditional ally and partner of Russia, Armenia recently has turned toward improving its ties with the West and putting on ice its relations with Moscow, which Yerevan has blamed for failing to support it in its conflict with Azerbaijan.
Moscow, which regards both former Soviet republics to be in its sphere of influence, has been perturbed by Armenia’s efforts to deepen its ties with Western countries, especially the United States.
Also on Putin's schedule is a wreath-laying on August 19 at the tomb of Heydar Aliyev, the father of the current leader, who was president from 1993 to 2003.
Putin last visited Azerbaijan in September 2018. During that visit, he watched the judo world championship and participated in the ninth plenary session of the Russia-Azerbaijan interregional forum.
The Caucasus country is a close partner of Moscow but also a major energy supplier to Western countries.
Azerbaijan is not a signatory to the Rome Statute, which established the International Criminal Court, meaning Putin is able to travel to the country without fearing arrest under the international warrant issued for him by the court for war crimes in Ukraine.