Russian President Vladimir Putin has described Azerbaijan as a ‘stable and good partner’ for Russia, saying the two countries are currently discussing ways to expand cooperation in the energy and gas sectors. The remarks come amid ongoing discussions over regional energy cooperation, with Putin emphasising that Russia sees opportunities to work with Azerbaijan rather than compete with it in the Turkish gas market. Speaking at the Gas Exporting Countries Forum in Moscow, Putin said Russia did not view Azerbaijan as a competitor in exporting gas to Turkey — while highlighting that Russia supplies significantly more gas to the country. He added that Moscow and Baku saw good prospects for further cooperation. The developments come as Russia’s relations with Armenia continue to deteriorate . According to TASS , Putin made the remarks while speaking at the Gas Exporting Countries Forum in Moscow. Putin added that Russia was discussing opportunities to expand cooperation with Azerbaijan in the energy and gas sectors. He said Russia supplies up to 30 billion cubic metres of gas to Turkey, significantly more than Azerbaijan does. ‘But we do not see ourselves as competitors. On the contrary, we are ready to cooperate’, Putin said. The Russian president also noted that he was currently engaged in active dialogue with his Azerbaijani counterpart Ilham Aliyev. ‘We are discussing, among other things, ways to expand our cooperation with Azerbaijan in the energy and gas sectors. I would like to emphasise once again that we see good prospects here and are ready to work together’, Putin added. Recent years have seen heightened tensions between Baku and Moscow, centred around Russia’s accidental, but fatal, downing of an Azerbaijan Airlines jet in 2024; the deaths of Azerbaijani citizens in Russian police custody in 2025; and Russian media figures’ inflammatory statements about Azerbaijan. Although both sides said in April 2026 that they had settled issues related to the plane crash, disagreements over perceived anti-Azerbaijani in Russia rhetoric have continued.