Aliyev indirectly confirms secret meeting of former German and Russian officials in Baku

During a visit to Berlin, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev indirectly confirmed that a secret meeting was held in Baku involving former senior officials from Germany and Russia. Speaking at a joint press conference with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Aliyev said that Azerbaijan's territory was used for this meeting without the country's knowledge or consent.

According to Aliyev, the meeting took place from July 12 to July 14. The German participants included former Brandenburg Minister-President Matthias Platzeck and former head of the German Federal Chancellery Ronald Pofalla. Russia was represented by former Prime Minister Viktor Zubkov and Valery Fadeyev, chairman of the Russian Presidential Council for Civil Society and Human Rights. Zubkov left Azerbaijan on July 13, while the other three politicians departed on July 14.

Aliyev emphasized that neither Germany nor Russia provided any information about the purpose or content of these contacts. However, if the meeting aimed to explore ways to end the war between Russia and Ukraine, Azerbaijan would welcome such efforts.

Chancellor Merz, responding to journalists, stated that he had no knowledge of this meeting. He stressed that for many months, Germany, together with its European allies, has been trying to persuade Russian dictator Vladimir Putin to engage in talks to end the war, but so far without success. Merz indicated that the possible contacts in Baku are not linked to the official policy of the federal government. As long as Russia shows no readiness for peace, Germany will continue to support Ukraine.