Putin: I hope Russia and Azerbaijan turn page after AZAL plane crash

Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed hope that the page in relations with Azerbaijan has been finally turned.

"I sincerely hope that we have turned this page, that we will move forward, and that we will continue to develop our contacts without complications, implementing the major, truly large-scale plans that both our countries share in logistics, industrial cooperation, and, I would add, in the cultural and humanitarian sphere as well," Vladimir Putin said.

The Russian leader recalled that Azerbaijan is virtually a Russian-speaking nation, and Russian is spoken almost everywhere there. According to him, this also reflects the country’s consistent and long-standing commitment to strengthening relations with Russia.

The Russian leader noted that one would not even describe it as a crisis in interstate relations, because if this had been a crisis in interstate relations, Russia and Azerbaijan would not have seen growth in trade and economic ties.

"I would say it was more likely a crisis of emotions. It is clear why. We were confronted with a very tragic event... Therefore, we needed to calmly analyse the situation; we required time to properly examine it," Vladimir Putin said.

The head of state noted that it was necessary to conduct highly complex technical examinations, locate the so-called black boxes, decode them, cross-reference all the data obtained by investigators from the Ministry of Defence, verify this information, and compile all the records gathered from air traffic control services. This demands extensive, meticulous, highly responsible, and professional work.

According to Putin, he agreed with Ilham Aliyev that they would do everything to ensure this investigation was conducted objectively, including by the International Aviation Committee.

He noted the investigation is now nearing completion, and overall, the situation is clear. The head of state added there may still be some details or nuances that specialists need to document properly, he discussed this with the President of Azerbaijan.

"Emotions are inevitable, but it is always better to keep them under control so that they do not interfere with our work or hinder progress. I believe all of this is now behind us," Vladimir Putin said.