Putin noted the allied nature of relations between Russia and Azerbaijan

Relations between Russia and Azerbaijan are friendly and allied, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on May 28 in a congratulatory message to his Azerbaijani counterpart Ilham Aliyev on the country's Independence Day.

"I am confident that through joint efforts we will be able to further enhance constructive bilateral cooperation and partnership in international affairs," the telegram says on the Kremlin's website.

Putin noted that such a policy fully meets the interests of the peoples of the two countries, as well as contributes to security and stability in the South Caucasus and the Caspian region. Azerbaijan is confidently moving along the path of socio-economic development, and its authority on the world stage is increasing, the Russian leader added.

"I wish you, dear Ilham Heydarovich, health and success, and peace and prosperity to all citizens of the Republic of Azerbaijan," he said.

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On May 21, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov confirmed Russia's readiness to assist in the normalization of Armenian-Azerbaijani relations based on a set of trilateral agreements between the leaders of Russia, Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Earlier, on March 17, Chairman of the Federation Council Valentina Matvienko, summing up the meeting with the President of Azerbaijan in Baku, noted that Russia was firmly convinced of the republic's commitment to continue multifaceted cooperation between the states. During the talks, Matvienko and Aliyev discussed the expansion of trade, economic, and cultural cooperation between the states, and also touched upon the current international situation.