Putin In Azerbaijan Seeking Bilateral Agreements

A new pipeline in Azerbaijan transports Caspian oil to the West (file photo) (AFP) 21 February 2006 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has started a two-day visit to Azerbaijan in what is being seen as an effort to forge closer ties with the oil-rich Caspian Sea nation.

The trip is Putin's second to Azerbaijan since he became president in 2000. Azerbaijan is the starting point for a newly completed U.S.-backed pipeline that transports Caspian oil to Western markets, bypassing Russia.

Putin said historic ties between the two ex-Soviet nations would help foster cooperation.

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev noted a steady increase in bilateral trade that exceeded $1 billion last year.

Tomorrow, the two presidents are expected to meet and sign a series of bilateral agreements.

(compiled from agency reports)