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The role of the legislative bodies in the formation of civil society
Cooperation between Russia and Azerbaijan in the last few years has become more dynamic and adequate. Today our two countries successfully cooperate in the spheres of politics, the economy and culture. These tendencies are based on the rich history of bilateral relations, pragmatic interests and personal links, such as the friendship between Presidents Dmitry Medvedev and Ilham Aliyev.
To start with, let us focus on issues of education. An adequate public education system is necessary for the successful development of any society. This common truth is understood in our two countries. That is why Russia and Azerbaijan pay special attention to cooperation in the sphere of education. Many Azerbaijani students study in Russia. It would be very useful to make this exchange truly mutual, so that Russian students could study the Azerbaijani language in Azerbaijan.
Another aspect is youth policy, which is considered very important by the political elite of both countries. Russia and Azerbaijan are doing their best to create a basis for cultural cooperation between young people of the two nations, so that they can establish an atmosphere of friendship. An important role is played in this process by the most prominent political parties of the two countries, "United Russia" and "New Azerbaijan". Several youth camps were organized this year in Russia in Pyatigorsk, Nalchik, and Dombay. Representatives of Azerbaijan were also present at these camps and took part in all activities. However, this is not enough. It would be better if such camps were organized not only in the Russian North Caucasus, but also in the South Caucasus, in Azerbaijan. The "United Russia" political party patronizes such activities, but it would be more useful to join its efforts with the "New Azerbaijan" party and organize joint camps and launch joint youth programs. This will help young Russians and young people from Azerbaijan to meet regularly, to exchange their experience and ideas.
Economic cooperation is also worth discussing. Cooperation between Russia and Azerbaijan in the sphere of the economy is quite active. However, although the main decisions are made in the framework of the special committee's activity, the role of the legislative bodies of the two countries should not be underestimated. In spite of this, it is still necessary to improve inter-parliamentary cooperation between Russia and Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan should pay special attention to cooperation with the legislative powers of the North Caucasian republics, subjects of the Russian Federation. It would be useful for both parties if Russia and Azerbaijan joined their efforts in order to implement the main principles of the Federal Development Strategy of the North Caucasian Federal District. It would be advantageous for Azerbaijan, as well as for Russia, since the Strategy will inevitably affect the whole Caucasus. Even today, Azerbaijan is connected with Dagestan and other republics of the North Caucasus by various economic, cultural, and social links. Peace and stability in the region is necessary for Azerbaijan as well as for the Russian Federation.
Another subject for the parliamentary dialogue is the status of the Caspian Sea. This issue requires, first of all, the establishment of a special inter-parliamentary commission of the five Caspian countries. The foundation of such a commission will contribute a truly great deal to the solving of the problem. The legislative power will take part in this process in any case, so it's better to use the inter-parliamentary bodies to come to an agreement. Such a commission may also examine the environmental situation in the region; elaborate certain measures to protect the natural balance of the Caspian Sea.
The experience of the Azerbaijani parliament will be useful for it, as this body is participating in the signing of oil contracts, for in Azerbaijan they are considered to be laws.
Inter-parliamentary cooperation between Russia and Azerbaijan is fairly active, even today. The countries successfully cooperate in various international organizations. Cooperation between the parliaments of the two countries is especially satisfactory in the bodies of the Commonwealth of Independent States.
Ismail Alovsat olgy Agakishiyev, Director of the Centre for Caucasian studies at the Russian State University for the Humanities.
