Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev declared that the tense period in relations between Baku and Moscow is behind us, and cooperation between the two countries has returned to normal.

Speaking at the 4th Shusha Global Media Forum, the Azerbaijani leader emphasized that Baku highly values ​​its relations with Russia and welcomes the statements of Russian authorities, including Vladimir Putin, on the development of bilateral ties.

According to Aliyev, contacts between the countries are currently taking place at all levels – from governments and foreign policy ministries to presidential administrations.

"I would say that relations have been fully normalized. Contacts are taking place at various levels: between governments, through the co-chairs of intergovernmental commissions, through the Foreign Ministries, and also through the presidential administrations. Therefore, I think in this regard, everything is going well, and we are pleased about this," the head of state said.

Aliyev also noted that cooperation encompasses traditional areas, as well as trade and humanitarian affairs. According to him, relations between Moscow and Baku are important not only for the two countries but also for the wider region.

Speaking about the South Caucasus, the president stated that after the Second Karabakh War and Azerbaijan's restoration of control over its territory, the region has changed, and previous approaches to perceiving it no longer work. He also emphasized that Azerbaijan has not allowed itself to be used in geopolitical intrigues against third countries and expects the same approach from neighboring states.