The media space has been flooded with reports about the suspension of the “Russian House” (RH) in Baku, now accompanied by a statement from its director, Irek Zinnurov.
“This situation is unfortunate for both Azerbaijan and Russia. Meanwhile, some third party is sitting on the sidelines, rubbing its hands in anticipation, enjoying the spectacle… This third party is taking advantage of the moment, trying to fan the flames as much as possible,” Zinnurov stated.
While it is fair to say that this situation is unpleasant, it is far more detrimental to Russia, which has lost one of its soft power instruments in Azerbaijan. As for the so-called third party that Zinnurov confidently refers to, that seems unlikely. This matter is solely between Azerbaijan and Russia, requiring their direct resolution. The seasonal hunt for an elusive third force—the treacherous enemy supposedly targeting Russia’s pure and innocent intentions—gets ceremoniously announced each time there is a reluctance to acknowledge one’s own missteps.
Russian authorities may question Baku’s demands, but if they are unable to consider any explanation beyond the “third party” narrative, we are happy to provide one. Since Moscow frequently calls for maintaining allied relations between the two nations—except when it is distracted by aggressive rhetoric—it is worth recalling what such relations truly entail and on what foundation they should be built. Moscow often invokes the language of friendship and alliance, but such relationships cannot function as a one-way street.
The nationwide uproar in Russia over the closure of Rossotrudnichestvo’s Baku office appears particularly strange, given that the All-Russian Congress of Azerbaijanis (ACA) was completely shut down back in 2017. As Minval previously reported, at that time, Azerbaijan did not call for expelling Russians from the country, suppressing their businesses, or labeling them with derogatory epithets. Now, however, as it turns out that the “Russian House” cannot operate without proper Azerbaijani registration—a completely valid legal requirement—Russian State Duma deputies and other public and political figures have lined up to launch attacks against Azerbaijan.
If Russian officials insist on the necessity of maintaining the RH in Baku, they must understand that this is not how allied relations are built. The “Russian House” has been operating in Baku, and the Russian multimedia news agency Sputnik also continues its activities there. Notably, Sputnik has never hidden its strong pro-Armenian stance and openly promotes separatism, yet it still operates in Azerbaijan. Let Valuyev, Zatulin, and Karasev name at least one Azerbaijani media outlet functioning in Russia—or explain why the ACA was shut down.
Meanwhile, let us recall what is stated in the Declaration on Allied Interaction between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Russian Federation, signed on February 22, 2022. One of its clauses states: “The parties shall take steps to encourage the activities of diaspora organizations within the framework of national legislation, in a way that contributes to the expansion of economic, cultural, and humanitarian ties between Russia and Azerbaijan.”
The closure of the ACA directly contradicts this clause.
If the Russian side is unwilling to take a responsible approach to fulfilling its commitments and does not seek to build allied relations based on mutual respect, then there is no place for the “Russian House” in Baku. Moreover, if our northern neighbors continue their hysterical rhetoric and verbal attacks, then Sputnik may also find itself heading in a well-known direction.
Instead of launching another round of accusations against Azerbaijan, Russia would do well to consider what it can offer Baku as a reciprocal measure to maintain a balanced and equal partnership. Until Russia ensures mutual respect and reciprocity regarding diaspora and humanitarian organizations with Azerbaijan, it would be better for them to remain silent.
Baku has always demonstrated openness to all forms of cooperation, but true collaboration requires a two-way effort. One cannot simply take without offering anything in return—or worse, strip away the little that has existed so far.
A serious document outlining the fundamental principles and norms of mutual cooperation has been signed between Moscow and Baku. Russia should carefully reread the declaration on allied relations to fully grasp the guarantees of mutual privileges in intergovernmental relations. Most importantly, it should consider how these principles should be implemented in practice rather than merely remaining words printed on paper.
Maqsud Salimov
Translated from minval.az
