Ilham Aliyev Welcomes Ramzan Kadyrov During Azerbaijan Visit

October 10, 2026 Diplomats World

BAKU, October 10 — Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev received Ramzan Kadyrov, head of the Chechen Republic of the Russian Federation, on October 10, according to the Press Service of the President of Azerbaijan. The meeting focused on the longstanding ties between Azerbaijan and Chechnya, their shared historical connections, and continued friendship and cooperation between their peoples.

Welcoming Kadyrov to Azerbaijan, Aliyev said he was pleased to see him again and expressed confidence that the brief visit would be productive. He emphasized the deep historical roots of relations between Azerbaijanis and Chechens, noting that both peoples continued to demonstrate solidarity, friendship, and cooperation.

President Highlights Chechnya’s Development

Aliyev congratulated Kadyrov on the achievements made in the rapid development of the Chechen Republic. He said Azerbaijan welcomed the republic’s progress and wished its leadership further success in improving prosperity and advancing development. The Azerbaijani president also reiterated that Kadyrov was always welcome in Azerbaijan, underscoring the importance he attached to maintaining close relations between the two sides.

During the meeting, Aliyev returned to the historical foundations of Azerbaijani-Chechen friendship, explaining that the relationship extended beyond the current political leadership. He said the two peoples had lived in friendship and mutual understanding for centuries, supporting one another through different periods of their shared history.

Kadyrov Recalls Historic Leadership Ties

In his remarks, Kadyrov addressed Aliyev as Ilham Heydar oglu and described the relationship between Azerbaijan and Chechnya as one of brotherhood rather than simply relations between neighboring communities. He highlighted the personal and historical connection between Heydar Aliyev, Azerbaijan’s former president, and Akhmad Kadyrov, the first president of the Chechen Republic of Russia.

Kadyrov paid tribute to both leaders, expressing the hope that Allah would grant them peace. He said they had worked for peace, stability, and good-neighborly relations. According to Kadyrov, their legacy remained an important element connecting the Azerbaijani and Chechen peoples and strengthening their mutual understanding.

Condolences Over Baku–Grozny Aircraft Crash

Kadyrov also conveyed condolences over the crash of the Baku–Grozny aircraft in December 2024. Speaking on his own behalf and on behalf of the Chechen people, he described the tragedy as a shared sorrow and expressed sympathy with the Azerbaijani people for those who lost their lives.

He said the Chechen people shared Azerbaijan’s grief and prayed for the souls of the victims. His remarks brought the human dimension of relations between the two communities into focus, with condolences forming a significant part of his message during the meeting.

Garabagh and Regional Stability

Kadyrov congratulated the Azerbaijani people on the resolution of the Garabagh issue and expressed confidence that lasting peace and stability would prevail across the region. His remarks reflected his stated hope for a stable regional environment and peaceful relations among neighboring communities.

Aliyev, in response, emphasized the contribution of earlier generations to the modern relationship between Azerbaijan and Chechnya. He said the leadership of Heydar Aliyev and Akhmad-Hadji Kadyrov had played a pivotal role in bringing the two peoples closer during the modern period. He added that honoring their memories reflected respect for tradition, shared values, and the foundations of contemporary development.

Judo Championships and Sporting Cooperation

Kadyrov also referred to the World Judo Championships taking place in Baku and congratulated Azerbaijani athletes on their results. He noted that the Chechen Republic had the Vladimir Putin Judo Training Center and said joint sporting events could be beneficial for both sides.

The exchange highlighted sports as another potential area for cooperation alongside their historical and cultural connections. Kadyrov thanked Aliyev for the warm reception and expressed his wishes for peace, stability, tranquility, and progress for the Azerbaijani people.

Aliyev Praises Chechnya’s Progress

Concluding his remarks, Aliyev said that, based on his observations and reports presented to him, the Chechen Republic had developed rapidly under Kadyrov’s leadership. He praised progress in strengthening stability and security, as well as in economic and social development, saying these achievements were a source of genuine satisfaction for Azerbaijan.

Aliyev also noted that Kadyrov had visited Azerbaijan before and described the country as a place close to him. He expressed confidence that the Chechen leader would continue visiting Azerbaijan in the future. Kadyrov thanked the Azerbaijani president, and the meeting concluded with further expressions of appreciation and welcome.