Azerbaijani-Russian relations as a factor of regional stability in the Caspian-Caucasus region

The article is devoted to the analysis of Azerbaijani-Russian relations and regional policy of Russia. The article analyzes the historical ties between Azerbaijan and Russia, which for several centuries formed the defining link in the chain of historical events that took place in Azerbaijan. XVIII-beginning. The XIX century was the culmination, because at that time the foundation of Azerbaijani-Russian relations was laid, which were fully developed in a later period. The events that took place during this period largely predetermined the future fate of the Azerbaijani people, having influenced the course of its socio-political and cultural development. The author analyzes the relations between Russia and Azerbaijan after the collapse of the Soviet Union and the period of the rule of the Popular Front of Azerbaijan (NFA). A special place is given to the transformation of relations between the countries, after the coming to power of Heydar Aliyev and Vladimir Putin. The historic visit of the Russian president to the Republic, which became the first such visit of a Russian leader to sovereign Azerbaijan, played a positive role in bringing both sides closer together and beginning the modern stage of relations. The article also examines the economic and humanitarian relations between the two countries. Both countries have established themselves as leaders in the oil and gas industry, their relations have recently significantly intensified, relying on international legal documents of a systemic nature. In the humanitarian sphere, relations between Azerbaijan and Russia are developing at a high level. The Russian Information and Cultural Center (RICС), a representative office of Rossotrudnichestvo, operates in Azerbaijan. Numerous public associations of Azerbaijanis operate in Russia, among which the most significant are the Federal National and Cultural Autonomy of Azerbaijanis of Russia (FNKA AzerRos) and the Azerbaijani Youth Organization of Russia (AMOR). Special attention is paid to the role of Russia in the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and the decree of V. Putin «On measures to maintain peace in Nagorno-Karabakh» dated November 10, 2020. Generalizing conclusions concerning the prospects of bilateral relations in regional politics are made.