Putin and Tokayev Discuss Azerbaijani Plane Crash in Kazakhstan
Kazakh President Tokayev discusses Azerbaijan Airlines plane crash with Russian President Putin
On December 28, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev had a telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss the investigation into the tragic Azerbaijan Airlines plane crash near Aktau. The conversation was initiated by the Russian side.
During the call, both leaders exchanged condolences over the tragic deaths of citizens from Kazakhstan and Russia in the plane crash on December 25. They also expressed their wishes for a quick recovery for those who were injured in the incident.
President Tokayev emphasized that Kazakhstan’s government commission is actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash and is collaborating with experts from Azerbaijan, Russia, and Brazil. Both leaders stressed the importance of a comprehensive and transparent investigation.
In a separate call on the same day, President Putin apologized to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev for the incident that occurred in Russian airspace and extended his condolences to the victims’ families. The Azerbaijani passenger aircraft, following its scheduled route, had attempted to land at Grozny airport multiple times while the area was under Ukrainian aerial attacks.
The Russian Investigative Committee has launched a criminal case on violations of traffic safety and air transport regulations. Seventeen international experts, including representatives from Azerbaijan, Brazil, and Russia, are working on the investigation. Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister Kanat Bozumbayev stated that there is no pressure on Kazakhstan and no interference from any country in the investigation.
The collaboration between Kazakhstan, Russia, Azerbaijan, and other international experts demonstrates a unified effort to uncover the truth behind the tragic plane crash and ensure justice for the victims and their families.
