Moscow’s official apology to Baku over the downing of an Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) passenger plane has been described as a significant step toward restoring mutual trust and normalizing bilateral relations between Azerbaijan and Russia, according to Aykhan Hajizade, spokesperson for Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
In an interview with Report, Hajizade stressed that relations between the two countries are based on the principles of good neighborliness, equality, mutual respect, and non-interference in internal affairs.
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“It is well known that the nearly year-long strain in relations was caused by the downing of the AZAL aircraft and the subsequent actions by Russia,” Hajizade said.
“We have repeatedly emphasized that we expect a full and transparent investigation, accountability for those responsible, and compensation for the victims. These steps are crucial for removing the negative background that has affected bilateral relations.”
The spokesperson noted that the meeting between Presidents Ilham Aliyev and Vladimir Putin on October 10 in Dushanbe, along with the Russian side’s acknowledgment that the plane was shot down in error by its armed forces and the official apology, marked a meaningful move toward normalization.
Hajizade also addressed the issue of arrested members of the Azerbaijani diaspora in Russia, saying that Baku is actively monitoring the cases.
“To protect the rights of Azerbaijani citizens in Russia, our Foreign Ministry, embassy, and consulates are consistently taking systematic measures. All detained citizens are receiving legal and consular assistance in accordance with the law,” he added.
The tragic incident occurred on December 25, 2024, when an Azerbaijan Airlines Embraer jet flying from Baku to Grozny crashed near the Kazakh city of Aktau. Onboard were 62 passengers – including 37 Azerbaijani, 16 Russian, 6 Kazakh, and 3 Kyrgyz citizens, along with five crew members. In total, 38 people died, while 29 survived, among them three children.
Preliminary findings indicated that the aircraft crashed as a result of external physical and technical interference that occurred in Russian airspace near Grozny.
