New country moves to Russia – and trades with Sweden

In mid-July, the EU and Azerbaijan signed an agreement on energy supplies. Under the agreement, Azerbaijan must increase its gas exports to the EU until 2027.

The energy agreement is part of the European Union's ambition to wean itself off its dependence on Russian oil and gas imports.

The fossil fuel-rich country has become an important trading partner for the European Union, despite calls in Brussels to sanction Azerbaijan over human rights abuses, Politico wrote about the cooperation.

Azerbaijan has been ruled by the Aliyev family since 1993.

– The country is run as a dictatorship and society is deeply corrupt. Critics of the regime are persecuted and often sentenced to long prison terms, the Foreign Policy Institute, UI, writes about the country.

Joins Russia

Now Azerbaijan appears to be taking another step in the authoritarian direction.

The country has applied to join the BRICS group, Politico reported.

BRICS was founded in 2009. Initially, the partnership included Russia, China, India and Brazil.

Today, the cooperation consists of nine countries after the accession of Iran, Egypt, South Africa, Ethiopia and the United Arab Emirates.

Now Azerbaijan wants to become the tenth member of the partnership.

A spokesperson for the country's foreign ministry said a request had been made, Politico reported.

Putin's visit

Azerbaijan's announcement comes after Russian dictator Vladimir Putin's visit to the country's capital, Baku.

Putin arrived in Baku on Sunday for talks with Azerbaijani dictator Ilham Aliyev.

Aliyev praised Putin and Russia after the meeting.

– Our economic cooperation and trade relations are developing successfully, despite global challenges, the dictator said.

Sweden exports

Sweden trades with Azerbaijan. Swedish exports to the country amounted to around SEK 220 million in 2022.

Sweden has also undertaken some regional exchange activities with Azerbaijan, including cultural and academic exchanges.

Photo: Office of the President of Russia

Text: Editors