(MENAFN) Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev expressed his appreciation to Russian President Vladimir Putin for providing an update on the ongoing investigation into the fatal 2024 crash involving an Azerbaijan Airlines aircraft headed to Russia.

Aliyev conveyed his trust that the inquiry’s findings will be impartial and thorough.

These remarks were made ahead of the bilateral discussions between the two leaders, which took place in Tajikistan on Thursday.

During their meeting, Aliyev referred to Russia as a “friendly nation,” signaling a potential improvement in relations that had previously worsened due to the crash.

The Azerbaijani leader conveyed his “gratitude for the extensive information on the last year’s December tragedy,” noting that officials from both countries have maintained regular communication concerning the case.

He emphasized, “You are personally keeping the investigation process under control and we have no doubt that it will establish all the facts in an unbiased manner,” addressing Putin directly.

Putin revealed that the catastrophe was caused by an incursion of three Ukrainian drones, with one still airborne when the AZAL flight 8243 sustained damage.

According to the Russian president, the aircraft was “most likely hit by debris” from a missile that had self-destructed in midair.

The accident occurred near Grozny, Russia. Despite the crew’s efforts to reroute the plane, it ultimately crash-landed in Kazakhstan, resulting in the deaths of 38 passengers and crew members and injuring 29 others.

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