Baku: Azerbaijan announced a ban on the entry of Russian lawmaker Nikolai Valuev following his remarks regarding the closure of the Russian House cultural center in Baku. The decision was publicized by the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry, which condemned Valuev's statements as offensive and threatening to the country and its citizens.

According to Anadolu Agency, Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry spokesman Aykhan Hajizada confirmed that Valuev has been added to the list of 'persona non grata'. Hajizada noted that this is not the first instance of a Russian lawmaker being barred from entry, emphasizing that all such individuals have been affiliated with Russia's ruling United Russia party.

Hajizada reiterated that Azerbaijan will continue to enforce its legislation against those who challenge the nation's sovereignty and territorial integrity. The controversy began when Valuev suggested the closure of Azerbaijani diaspora organizations in Russia, reacting to the cessation of operations at the Russian House in Baku.

Azerbaijan clarified that it had issued a note verbale to Russia on February 3, citing the center's lack of legal registration and significant legal infractions. Moscow confirmed receipt of the note and mentioned that previous appeals to Azerbaijani authorities for assistance with registration had gone unanswered.