Markov: Baku has become Moscow’s main ally in the South Caucasus

The results of the parliamentary election in Azerbaijan will have a positive impact on relations with Russia, Sergei Markov, the director of the Institute of Political Studies, said in a conversation with NEWS.ru.

According to him, after Armenia turned toward the West, Baku became Moscow’s main ally in the South Caucasus.

“The Milli Majlis deputies are in a new political situation, when intense rapprochement is being observed between Russia and Azerbaijan. President Putin’s state visit to Baku in August marked a new political reality. Currently, Russia’s main ally in the South Caucasus is Azerbaijan, not Armenia,” Markov stated, claiming that Western countries also have a pro-Armenian stance, and Baku understands that. The parliament is being formed on the basis of the intention to continue the closeness with Russia.

To remind, the country’s ruling New Azerbaijan Party, led by President Ilham Aliyev, secured 68 out of 125 seats in the Milli Majlis (Parliament) in the snap election held on Sept. 1.

Voter turnout was 37.27%. There is no voter turnout threshold in Azerbaijan, and an election is recognized as held regardless of voter turnout.