- Mikhail Yuryevich, at the evening in memory of Heydar Aliyev, you spoke about especially warm relations between Russia and Azerbaijan. In your opinion, what unites our peoples and countries?
- In my speech, I noted that a trusting, close dialogue between our presidents, Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin and Ilham Heydarovich Aliyev, is the basis and the driving force of alliance and partnership between Russia and Azerbaijan. Today, these relations are progressively and dynamically developing in all areas without exception on the basis of the Declaration on Allied Cooperation, signed by the presidents of our countries.
At the same time, we always remember that it is based on the great contribution of Heydar Aliyevich Aliyev to the establishment of our relations in a new era. Since the Soviet Unions dissolution, our countries (the Russian Federation and the Republic of Azerbaijan) have developed their relations as sovereign, independent states. Our close partnership and alliance today is the result of the efforts of Heydar Aliyev and the work of Vladimir Putin and Ilham Aliyev.
- How do you assess the political figure of Heydar Aliyev?
- Today we once again understood the greatness and amazing scale of the personality of a man who selflessly and conscientiously served his cause. Both people in Russia and citizens of Azerbaijan, we all remember the contribution of this outstanding person to the development of our common Motherland, the Soviet Union, and to the development of Azerbaijan as an independent, sovereign Azerbaijan Republic. The figure of Heydar Aliyevich Aliyev firmly unites our countries and peoples for many years to come.
- Is a trilateral meeting between President Vladimir Putin, President Ilham Aliyev and Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan expected in St. Petersburg?
- As a diplomat, I would prefer to refrain from making forecasts. The invitation of the Russian side to Armenia and Azerbaijan to continue the dialogue on a peaceful settlement through Moscow's platform on the basis of the principles that were formulated by the leaders of our countries in November 2020 and later remains in force.
