Moscow starts presentation of non-commercial partnership Politological Center “North-South”

Moscow has started a presentation of the non-commercial partnership Politological Center “North-South” for development of science and information means with Caucasian region. The presentation involves a round progrlem “Topical problems of the South Caucasus with the context of Russian-Azerbaijani relations”.

Alexey Vlasov, Editor-in-Chief of Vestnik Kavkaza, said that the partnership has been registered and opened a bank account. But what matters is the content of the organization. There are various structures, centers, councils that have not realized projects. The structure is expected to open offices in Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Vlasov underlined that a system of recommendations is needed for state authorities to accumulate expert views of Russia on the most topical issues.

Another goal is formation of communication between expert societies of Russia and states of the South Caucasus. An analytical report was made at a forum in Astrakhan by Russian and Azerbaijani experts. The report demonstrated a common view of experts of both states, especially in trade-economic relations, regional cooperation, Caspian issues, socio-cultural and humanitarian aspects.

Vlasov believes that active cooperation of Russian and Azerbaijani experts is a necessary condition to cope with risks and challenges the South Caucasus and the post-Soviet space face. This includes anthropogenic catastrophes, cyber security, social tensions, the conflict of generations.

Russia and Azerbaijan both face activation of exterior influence that often violates interests of the South Caucasus. This needs consolidation of expert society. Settlement of frozen conflicts is an important issue for the geostrategic region, including the South Caucasus and Middle Asia. Many experts see chaotic processes withing international relations. Expert societies are to help find a solution to the situation.

The session is split into three topics – security, energy cooperation and information-expert cooperation.

Energy talks involve discussions of positive and negative scenarios for development of bilateral ties, realization of joint and innovative projects. Russia may help Azerbaijan form a single energy company. The sides need to discuss the Nabucco project.

The Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and revealing of factors preventing military solution of the conflict are an important security issue. Another problem is intensification of dialogue between Azerbaijan and Armenia.

Information-expert cooperation involves preservation of Russian-speaking space and education, development of youth communication, bilateral projects for staff training.