Baku: Azerbaijan and Russia have reached an agreement on providing an 'appropriate settlement of the consequences' stemming from the December 2024 crash of an Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) flight in Kazakhstan. This announcement was jointly made by the foreign ministries of both nations, highlighting a mutual effort to address the aftermath of the tragic incident.

According to Anadolu Agency, the agreement involves compensation payments and was aligned with the understanding established between Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Russian President Vladimir Putin during their meeting in Dushanbe last October. The crash, which occurred due to the unintended operation of an air defense system in Russian airspace, has prompted both countries to reaffirm their commitment to fostering mutually beneficial cooperation.

The joint statement expressed confidence in the continued development of bilateral relations, emphasizing the importance of strengthening neighborly ties and expanding cooperative efforts for the benefit of both nations' citizens. Additionally, heartfelt condolences were extended to the families and loved ones of the 38 victims who perished in the crash.

The tragic incident took place on December 25, 2024, when an AZAL flight en route from Baku to Grozny crashed near Aktau, Kazakhstan. In the aftermath, Russian President Putin offered his condolences to President Aliyev, acknowledging the part of the incident that occurred in Russian airspace. President Aliyev, in a subsequent interview, called on Russia to take responsibility, ensure accountability, and provide compensation to those affected by the tragedy.

During their meeting in Dushanbe, President Putin assured President Aliyev of Russia's commitment to addressing the situation and providing necessary compensation, paving the way for the recent agreement.