Azerbaijan continues to take public steps seemingly designed to get under Russia’s skin amid bilateral tension over the accidental shoot-down of an Azerbaijani passenger airliner.

The latest Azerbaijani expression of irritation occurred on February 20, when state-controlled media outlets in Baku played up a meeting between Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov and Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Oleksandr Mishchenko. The meeting apparently accomplished little of substance other than signaling ongoing indignation with what Azerbaijani officials see as Kremlin disrespect.

“During the meeting, the parties emphasized the importance of the position constantly demonstrated by the two countries regarding the sovereignty of states, territorial integrity and inviolability of borders, as well as relations between countries based on the fundamental principles of international law and mutual respect,” according to a report distributed by the official Azertag news agency.

Azerbaijan’s anger with Russia stems from the Kremlin’s refusal to take responsibility for causing the December 25 Azerbaijani jet crash in Kazakhstan, killing 38 of the 67 passengers aboard. A preliminary investigation found that external metal objects, i.e. Russian anti-aircraft flak, brought the plane down.

Mutual rancor expressed by both Azerbaijani and Russian officials in recent weeks could cause lasting damage to what has long been seen as a strategic partnership between like-minded leaderships.

“Relations between Azerbaijan and Russia have gone through multiple crises over the years, but the most recent one is notably different due to the unusually public nature of the antagonistic discourse,” the Moscow Times quoted regional expert Shujaat Ahmadzada as saying. “If the situation continues at this pace, it is difficult to envision a clear endpoint.” 

Other experts believe Baku’s economic interests, especially a desire to expand trade along the North-South corridor connecting Iran and Russia via Azerbaijan, will have a moderating effect on the bilateral spat.