Russian Representation in Azerbaijan Closes Down
The Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry has ordered the closure of the Russian agency Rossotrudnitschestwo’s activities in the country, citing non-compliance with the country’s laws. The Russian side has responded by saying that the agency was not registered as a legal entity in Azerbaijan and that the real estate owner had terminated the lease due to the sale of the building.
The Russian Foreign Ministry’s spokeswoman, Maria Zakharova, stated that Moscow is ready to take the necessary measures to register the agency and expressed hope for a positive solution to the issue. However, the diplomatic crisis between the two countries appears to be escalating, with Azerbaijan increasingly positioning itself as a new regional power and distancing itself from Moscow.
The Russian House in Baku, which has been in operation since 1997, has been a hub for cultural and informational activities, but the lack of legal registration in Azerbaijan had not previously hindered its work. The closure of the Russian House is now seen as a move to defend national interests in Azerbaijan.
Azerbaijani government officials, who wished to remain anonymous, have accused Russia of engaging in intelligence activities under the guise of the Russian House, stating that “our country does not need outside help.” The Russian House’s director, Irek Zinnurow, believes that no one benefits from the conflict, except for a third party that is secretly rejoicing at the closure of the Russian House in Baku.
The conflict between the two countries has been escalating, with Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev accusing Russia of shooting down an Azerbaijani passenger plane in Grozny, Russia, on December 25, killing 38 people, most of whom were Azerbaijani citizens. Russia has denied the accusations and is conducting an investigation into the incident.
The director of the Russian House, Irek Zinnurow, believes that the real story behind the closure of the Russian House in Baku is the new foreign policy orientation of Azerbaijan, which is increasingly positioning itself as a new regional power and distancing itself from Moscow. The Russian House in Baku has hosted numerous events, including exhibitions, Olympics and concerts and has been a symbol of cultural exchange between Russia and Azerbaijan.
In Russia, voices are growing louder, calling for retaliatory measures against Azerbaijan or Azerbaijani businesspeople in Russia. However, the Russian diplomatic efforts continue to be moderate, with a focus on a possible meeting between the presidents of the two countries.