Vladimir Putin and Ilham Aliyev greet each other ahead of Beijing parade

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev exchanged greetings ahead of a ceremonial parade in Beijing commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory in World War II.

The two leaders shook hands ahead of a ceremonial parade in Beijing, which was held earlier today in Tiananmen Square.

President Putin also greeted Azerbaijan’s First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva with a handshake.

The heads of state met in an informal setting alongside other invited leaders and government officials who later attended the parade.