Russia, Azerbaijan discuss plane crash probe, bilateral ties

ISTANBUL

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin and Azerbaijan's Ambassador Rakhman Mustafayev met on Monday to discuss bilateral relations and ongoing issues, including the investigation into a recent Azerbaijan Airlines plane crash.

During the meeting in Moscow, the Russian side highlighted the need to complete the official probe into the Dec. 25, 2024 crash and release findings to clarify the circumstances surrounding the accident, according to a statement by Russia's Foreign Ministry.

Last month, an AZAL Embraer 190 plane flying from Azerbaijan's capital of Baku to Russia's Grozny in Chechnya crashed near the Kazakh city of Aktau. It was carrying five crew members and 62 passengers. As many as 38 died while 29 survived.

The two diplomats also discussed bilateral ties, emphasizing the importance of strategic partnerships and alliances based on the declaration signed on Feb. 22, 2022, which focuses on national interests of both countries.

Concerns were also raised about recent "anti-Russian publications" in Azerbaijan and alleged disinformation targeting the Russian Cultural Center in Baku. Moscow described the accusations as “completely unfounded.”