Vladimir Putin and Ilham Aliyev met in Astana

Russian President Vladimir Putin's meeting with President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has started in Astana.

The meeting is being held on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit.

The Azerbaijani leader said the share of national currencies in settlements between Russia and Azerbaijan has been growing.

"Of course, there was an increase in trade last year and this year. It demonstrates that our economies actively cooperate. It is pleasing that transactions in national currencies have also been on the rise," Aliyev said.

According to him, Azerbaijan is determined to develop infrastructure of the North-South international transport corridor on its territory.

"We are determined to expand the corridor’s infrastructure on Azerbaijan’s territory. Though it exists physically it does not meet the intentions of our partners and neighbors to fully employ the project," Aliyev said.

There are also "new ideas for the energy sector," Azerbaijani president said, adding that the countries' relevant agencies are in touch all the time. 

The allied relations declaration signed by Azerbaijan and Russia in 2022 has been implemented successfully. All points of the declaration are reflected in real life. We have been working jointly as allies for two years, demonstrating good results," Aliyev said.