Shvydkoy: Russia and Azerbaijan should focus on positive aspects

Russia and Azerbaijan are neighbors and share common interests. The focus should be on positive aspects and on reviving cultural dialogue, the Russian President’s Special Representative for International Cultural Cooperation Mikhail Shvydkoy said.

In his view, Moscow and Baku should concentrate on the constructive side of bilateral relations.

When asked whether there is currently a pause in cultural ties between Russia and Azerbaijan, Shvydkoy noted that each country pursues its own cultural policy.

"We never forget that the post-Soviet states, which have existed for 35 years since the USSR's collapse, are independent nations with their own cultural policies. We see that clearly. Just as we want our cultural policy to be respected, we in turn respect the cultural policies of these countries," Mikhail Shvydkoy said.

He also stressed that it is important to ease tensions and shift the focus away from negative issues.

"If we truly want dialogue, we need to look for the positive, not dwell only on the negative," Mikhail Shvydkoy said.

While acknowledging current problematic issues - such as the fate of Russian citizens and an incident with a Baku-Grozny flight - Shvydkoy emphasized that the neighboring nations must find common ground.

"As I see it, we live in a world where there are shared interests that go beyond the challenges of the moment. Geography is destiny - we are neighbors, no matter how political events unfold," Mikhail Shvydkoy said.

The Russian presidential representative expressed hope that cultural dialogue between the two countries would be renewed.

His comments come after reports that Azerbaijan has not yet confirmed its participation in the "Intervision" international music contest, set to take place in Moscow this September. Shvydkoy noted that "any decision of this kind is a matter of internal policy for any country." So far, 21 states have confirmed their participation in the event.