Today, Russian President Vladimir Putin will pay a working visit to Baku. According to official sources, during the Russian-Azerbaijani negotiations, the parties will discuss the issues on expansion of trade and economic relations between two countries, including cooperation in petrol energy sector. It is envisaged to address the issues of international and regional agenda, key issues of the Caspian Sea legal regime, as well as the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, says in the message of the Kremlin.
As transferred by Russian “RIA Novosti”, Yuri Ushakov, RF President’s Adviser, has informed that 5-6 bilateral documents regarding the sectors of energy and transport are expected to be concluded between Putin and President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev as a results of upcoming negotiations, and that the composition of Russian delegation proves that practically the entire complex of bilateral issues will be discussed during negotiations.
Later on, Ushakov detailed that the Russian delegation includes the Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergey Lavrov, Defense Minister Sergey Shoygu, Minister of Energy Alexander Novak, Emergency Situations Minister Vladimir Puchkov, Minister of Transport Maxim Sokolov, Minister of Economic Development Alexei Ulyukayev, as well as General Director of ‘Rosoboronexport’ Anatoly Isaikin, the head of Russian delegation in multilateral negotiations on the Caspian sea Igor Bratchikov, head of ‘Rosneft’ Igor Sechin and the head of ‘Lukoil’ Vagit Alekperov.
One more interesting fact. Ushakov informed that, today, when negotiations take place, the Caspian Fleet warships will be placed in Baku on friendly visit, “Dagestan” rocket warship and “Volgodonsk” rocket ship. In other words, Putin will arrive Baku not by plane, but on the combat boat, crossing the Caspian Sea, perhaps intending to emphasize the strength of Russia in the Caucasus region.
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After seven years of interval, Russian President Vladimir Putin arrives in Baku, and in fact he pays his first Caucasian visit not to Armenia, about which rumors were going still a long time ago before Armenia’s presidential elections, but just to Azerbaijan. This is a remarkable fact, another proof about today’s convergence of the Russian-Azerbaijani relations, moreover, before the presidential elections in Azerbaijan on October. Putin, perhaps, seeks to become a sponsor of Aliev’s choice, or one of influential supporters.
Dominant are the view that Putin’s visit first of all pursues the goal to improve the current atmosphere in the Russian-Azerbaijani relations that was created from disagreement around lease of the Gabala radar station, as well as after suspension of Baku-Novorossiysk pipeline operation.
It is noteworthy that a few weeks ago, the head of ‘Rosneft’ Igor Sechin arrived in Baku, who is considered to be one of Putin’s closest allies. Yet in the end of last month, Russian media reported that Moscow is trying to enter the energy market of Azerbaijan, and that Putin’s visit may truly be a turning point. In this regard, the desire of the Russian side was important to participate in “Absheron” gas field operation discovered 2 years ago, to which “Rosneft” is seeking to participate. In addition, it was noted that during the visit of Putin, the leadership of “Rosneft” is going to raise the issue of acquiring a share in the “Shah Deniz 2” mine. According to Russian media, the leaders of Russian companies have already reached an agreement with the British Petroleum Oil Company regarding cooperation in third countries.
What results the Russian-Azerbaijani negotiations will produce, what announcements will be voiced regarding the settlement of the Karabakh conflict, perhaps, will be known today. One thing, however, is evident: on the way to strengthening its influence in the South Caucasus, Moscow lay the bet on Azerbaijan, at least, such impetus of cooperation in the sectors of military, and energy are the proof of it.
Emma GABRIELYAN
