Russian warship in Baku port

On September 23, the border patrol ship of the Russian Federation, "Rasul Gamzatov," arrived at the Port of Baku.

According to the press center of the State Border Service of Azerbaijan, the visit is taking place "within the framework of the program of mutual visits of the coast guard ships of Azerbaijan and Russia."

"During the visit, the parties plan to discuss issues of cooperation between the border services of the two countries, exchange views on the current operational situation in the Caspian Sea, review the results of joint operational and preventive measures, and also clarify the mechanisms for information exchange between the representations," the press release further stated.

The visit program also includes cultural and sports events. In particular, a friendly football match will be held between representatives of the Border Service of Azerbaijan and the Coast Guard of Russia at the "Serhedchi" sports center. In addition, the delegations will visit the border patrol ships of both sides.

As part of the cultural program, excursions are organized for the Russian guests to the Heydar Aliyev Center, the "Atashgah" State Historical and Architectural Reserve, and other monuments of Baku's cultural and historical heritage.

The visit of the Russian warship is taking place against the backdrop of political tension between Baku and Moscow, caused by the downing of an Azerbaijani civilian aircraft over Grozny last December and the murders of two Azerbaijanis by Russian security forces in Yekaterinburg in June.