On January 23, 2025, at 11:00 Moscow Time (GMT+3), the Valdai Club will host an expert discussion dedicated to the Armenian-Azerbaijani relations and Russia’s policy in the South Caucasus.

       After the Karabakh conflict, the situation in the South Caucasus remains quite tense and unstable. Armenia and Azerbaijan are currently in dialogue on the peace treaty parameters. Within its framework, on January 16, the parties agreed to begin work on delimiting the border. But the Azerbaijani and Armenian authorities continue to exchange accusations and harsh statements.

       Sometimes Russia’s relations with Azerbaijan and Armenia also become complicated. This concerns, in particular, the prospects for Armenia’s participation in the CSTO and the EAEU, as well as the policy of integration with the European Union proclaimed by Yerevan. The recent tragedy with the AZAL airliner, which led to significant coverage in the media, became a test of relations with Azerbaijan.

       What are the prospects for concluding a peace treaty between Azerbaijan and Armenia? How realistic is it to fulfil the peace conditions put forward by the two countries’ leaders? What is the state of Russian-Azerbaijani and Russian-Armenian relations? How are Russia’s interests and policies in the Caucasus changing in the context of increased interest in the region from other external players? The participants in the discussion will address these and other issues.

       Speakers:

       Sergey Markedonov, Leading Researcher, Center for Euro-Atlantic Security, Institute of International Studies, MGIMO, Russian Foreign Ministry

       Alexander Iskandaryan, Director, Caucasus Institute (Yerevan)

       Nikolai Silaev, Leading Researcher, Institute for International Studies, MGIMO, Russian Foreign Ministry

       Kamran Gasanov, Senior Lecturer, Department of Theory and History of Journalism, Philological Faculty, RUDN University

       Moderator:

       Oleg Barabanov, Programme Director, Valdai Discussion Club

       Working languages: Russian, English.

       Information for the media: In order to get accredited for the event, please fill out the form on our web site. If you have any questions about the event, please call +79269307763

       Links to the live broadcast of the discussion will be posted on all online platforms of the Valdai Club: on the website, X (formerly Twitter), VK, Telegram and Dzen.