Russian President Dmitry Medvedev’s visit to Armenia slightly blew over fuss over Nagorno-Karabakh, whereas his trip to Azerbaijan shows eagerness to maintain political-diplomatic balance in Russia’s relations with two conflicting South Caucasian states, Andrey Areshev, the Deputy Director General, Russian Strategic Culture Foundation, told NEWS.am, commenting on Medvedev’s visit to Baku.

According to him, Azerbaijan will try to use the visit to strengthen regional positions hinting at possibility of further development of ties with other partners. Expert does not share views of his Azerbaijani colleagues who consider that Baku talks can to any extent affect the Karabakh peace process. “These opinions reflect biased expectations rather than real facts,” he noted. Baku strives to resolve the Karabakh conflict under certain conditions, but Russia has repeatedly voiced its position, namely any third party cannot impose on the parties any variant of solution to this complicated conflict, he noted. “Resumption of hostilities is not in the interests of Russia or any of conflicting parties,” the expert added.  

He also considers that difficult situation on Iran that may become explosive will be discussed as well. “Information on possible Russia’s supplies of S-300 air-defense system to Azerbaijan circulated in the Russian press several weeks ago was conditioned by ‘Iranian factor’,” Areshev stressed.  

Signing of bilateral agreement on state border and treaty on rational use of water resources of Samur will be key issues on the agenda of Medvedev’s visit to Azerbaijan. This disputable issue gave rise to serious discontent of the residents of bordering regions (mainly Lezgians, residing both in Russia and Azerbaijan). No doubt, it is important for Moscow and Baku to implement the agreements for them to play stabilizing role in the North Caucasus, Areshev said, adding that the sides are also interested in expansion of cooperation in energy sector, including nuclear industry.