Political analysts describe Putin’s visit as useful

Russian President Putin's visit last week was very useful for Azerbaijan in terms of thawing bilateral relations and securing strategic interests, independent political analysts Vafa Guluzadeh and Eldar Namazov told a roundtable, "Russo-Azeri relations: realities and prospects" at the "Khalq Gazeti" press-center Tuesday.

Underscoring the significance of Russia's having dropped its animosity towards Azerrbaijan, Mr. Guluzadeh explained the change by Moscow’s attempts to safeguard its interests in the Caspian.

According to Mr. Namazov, Putin admits that Russia’s previous policy toward Azerbaijan yielded no fruit. However, the analyst thinks it would be naive to talk only of the positive changes. While forging relations with Azerbaijan, Moscow has cracked down on Georgia, he said.

The round-table was also attended by representatives of the "Yeni Azerbaijan Party", People's party, "Ana Vatan", etc.*