FM Bayramov Shares Azerbaijan’s Expectations Regarding Plane Crash Probe with Russia’s Lavrov

Azerbaijan’s Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov on Saturday held a phone conversation with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov following the phone talk between the president of the two countries.

Lavrov extended his condolences to the families and relatives of the victims, as well as to the people of Azerbaijan, regarding the tragic crash of the Azerbaijan Airlines passenger plane on December 25, which was en route from Baku to Grozny, The Caspian Post reports, citing the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry.

Bayramov, in turn, prayed for Allah’s mercy for all the deceased and wished a speedy recovery to the injured.

FM Bayramov emphasized that the initial inspection of the plane, the numerous holes found on the fuselage, and testimonies from surviving flight attendants and passengers confirmed that the crash resulted from physical and technical interference with the aircraft. He conveyed Azerbaijan's expectations regarding the swift completion of the investigation, with the participation of an international team of experts. He emphasized the need for the causes of the crash to be determined in a serious and comprehensive manner and publicly announced.

Both sides underscored the importance of conducting the investigation process transparently and regularly updating the public.