Each representative of the diaspora wishes prosperity to their historic homeland and the prosperity of Russia

Today the international multi-media press center of RIA Novosti hosted a 

round-table discussion on "Azerbaijanis in Russia: business, culture, 

charity." It was organized in the framework of the project "Russia for 

All". Experts talked about the promotion of diaspora compatriots and the 

participation of citizens of Azerbaijan in the development of Russian 

society and culture, as well as economic relations between the two 

countries. 

The round table was attended by Assistant Professor of the History 

Department of Moscow State University Ismail Agakishiyev, Deputy Dean of 

the History Department of Moscow State University, Executive Director 

of the Political Studies Center "North-South" Alexei Vlasov and 

Vice-President of the Azerbaijan Youth Organization of Russia (AYOR)  

Emin Hajiyev. 

Commenting for VK on the key themes of the round-table discussion, Ismail Agakishiyev 

said that each member of the Azerbaijani diaspora is a Russian citizen and his 

main requirement should be to ensure stability and prosperity, both in 

Russia and in Azerbaijan.

As a representative of the Azerbaijani diaspora, Ismail Agakishiyev 

among others highlighted the work of two special institutions actively 

working to strengthen Azerbaijani-Russian relations - the Heydar 

Aliyev Foundation and the Azerbaijani Youth Organization of Russia. 

"Azerbaijani-Russian relations have a long history. The current stage of 

relations was laid by the Presidents of Azerbaijan and Russia Heydar 

Aliyev and Vladimir Putin. It is no accident that the two presidents were at 

the origins of the All-Russian Azerbaijani Congress, the most powerful 

diaspora organizations of Azerbaijanis in Russia. The objective of the 

diaspora structures, in the words of Vladimir Putin, include the 

promotion of the cultures, traditions and interests of Azerbaijan in Russia 

and the interests of Russia in Azerbaijan. 

A significant contribution to the strengthening of Russian-Azerbaijani 

relations is made by the Heydar Aliyev foundation. It is headed by first 

lady Mehriban Aliyeva, while Leyla Aliyeva is vice-president of the 

organization, the head of the Russian branch. The 

organization implemented numerous projects in various directions - 

educational, social, charitable. 

Leyla Aliyeva was able to unite Azerbaijani students studying in  

Russia in the Azerbaijani Youth Organization of Russia - AMOR, 

providing a very important continuity of generations. 

With the support of these organizations, Russian students have 

the opportunity to visit Azerbaijan for events and see the dynamically-developing 

 country with their own eyes. I think this is very positive, 

and I would like to thank these organizations for the fact that they 

work effectively with young people and for the benefit of 

Russian-Azerbaijani relations.

Another example - a creative group of students visit the History

Faculty of Moscow State University in Baku for the celebration of  

Victory Day on May 9 and give a presentation to 120 veterans, held 

with the support of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation. 

All these projects confirm the continuity of generations and that the 

friendship between Russia and Azerbaijan is real and palpable. 

What we have inherited should be protected and it should be understood that, 

unfortunately, there are detractors who want to create divisions in  

Azerbaijani-Russian relations. Articles, publications and statements 

in the media and so on. It is not difficult to distinguish these 

provocations, when they clearly show a lack of analysis or of a balance 

of interests of impartiality. The response to such allegations could 

be a deep understanding of the issues of bilateral relations. There is 

no question on which it would be impossible to reach an agreement 

between Azerbaijan and Russia, especially with good will, which 

the present presidents of the two countries have always shown," 

Ismail Agakishiyev said.