The visit of the President of Azerbaijan to Russia is of special and important importance for the foreign policy of both Moscow and Baku. This was one of Aliyev's first foreign trips after being re-elected as the head of state. Aliyev became one of the first leaders Putin met after being re-elected for a new term.

Axar.az reports that this was said by Leonid Kalashnikov, the chairman of the CIS Affairs Committee of the Russian State Duma.

"These facts are of great importance in today's conditions, where there is a global conflict between Russia and the West. As neighbors, Russia and Azerbaijan have common threats and challenges. In my opinion, Aliyev's visit was, among other things, a symbolic gesture of the Azerbaijani leader towards Russia, a positive assessment of Russia's contribution to peace, stability and security in the South Caucasus. Aliyev consistently defends the country's national interests, and his entire policy is based on this logic. He knows what he is doing and never betrays his principles. Putin and Aliyev are really friends, they understand each other and they understand mutual protection of national interests and respect this approach. Ilham Aliyev has a very friendly attitude towards Russia. He understands that it is a neighbor and it is necessary to establish constructive, mutually beneficial relations with this state," he said.

According to Kalashnikov, Aliyev demonstrated with his visit that even in the current difficult times for Russia, relations with Moscow are Baku's strategic direction:

"Azerbaijan's leader is an experienced political fighter who knows who to trust and who not to trust. Putin also understands this. He understands that in such difficult times, when the world is changing, a new multipolar world is being built, and the struggle for its sovereignty is going on, Azerbaijan shows itself transparently and constructively in relation to Russia and can rely on it and establish long-term strategic cooperation for the future. Unlike some of our neighbors, Azerbaijan does not pursue short-term interests. Aliyev's new Azerbaijan always chooses the strategy of forward-looking strategy. And this is the right approach. The Kremlin's arrangement of a meeting between Putin and Aliyev with veterans of the Baikal-Amur highway also played a very important role in high-level bilateral relations. As you know, this was a good humane, sincere and respectful gesture towards Ilham Aliyev and his father Heydar Aliyev, who led the construction of BAM. For Russia, Heydar Aliyev is indeed a political figure that will always be respected. He was a true political sage. Ilham Aliyev can also be highly characterized today. He conducts a confident, independent policy, ignoring any pressure and suggestions that are against the national interests. Putin and Aliyev demonstrated to all their enemies that they are moving towards a common future together and invite all those who are ready to join them to this future.