Azerbaijan says can help defuse Turkey-Russia tensions

"Azerbaijan regrets the tensions between Turkey and Russia,” Novruz Mammadov, head of the foreign relations department at President Ilham Aliyev’s office, said on Facebook.

"Turkey is our closest ally. Russia too is a very close and friendly country. Azerbaijan is bound with both countries by historic ties. Our relations with both countries are at the highest level. 

"Azerbaijan would be very happy to see no confrontation between its friends. We are ready to help ease the tensions.”

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu is to arrive in Baku later on Thursday for talks with President Aliyev and other senior government officials.