The most important thing in relations with Azerbaijan is the stable, friendly character in relations and interest in the success of both countries, the Russian Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador to Azerbaijan, Vladimir Dorokhin, said.
"During Azerbaijan's existence as an independent state, we have learned to understand each other. We know our capabilities and do not require more. Azerbaijan occupies the same position in relation to Russia. This is called a strategic partnership," Komsomolskaya Pravda cited him as saying.
"The special value of relations between Russia and Azerbaijan is their predictability. We can be sure about the southern border in the part where our partner is Azerbaijan. No unpleasant surprises are expected. And this is very important in the current complicated international situation," the ambassador stressed.
The diplomat said that there is a large volume of trade turnover between two countries. "Moreover, the main interaction is not in the oil sector. Azerbaijan is one of the leading partners of Russia in the sphere of military-technical cooperation. I want to emphasize the joint unique, unprecedented humanitarian programs, which are based on the very good attitude of Azerbaijan to the Russian language," Dorokhin said.
According to him, Russia's leading oil and gas companies cooperate with Azerbaijan's relevant companies. "For example, Lukoil is a shareholder in the international energy project on the development of the Shah Deniz gas field, which is the largest in the Caspian Sea. Gazprom is working closely with Azerbaijan's state oil company SOCAR. Russian oil company Rosneft has created a joint venture with SOCAR, which is registered in Europe. Russian oil company Russneft operates in Azerbaijan, which produces a million tons of oil a year," the ambassador said.
The diplomat also noted a good level of cooperation in the field of the electric power industry. "There is an agreement on the flow of electricity between Azerbaijan and Dagestan. We are working hard to make this a 'triangle': Russia-Azerbaijan-Iran. All this means the creation of jobs for large numbers of people," he noted.
He also pointed out that he would be the happiest person if the 4 million Russians who travelled to Turkey would come to Azerbaijan. "A good chance was offered to our neighbors to attract attention. There are prospects for the development of tourism in Azerbaijan and the country makes this one of the priorities. I can say with pleasure that we have a growing tourist interest in Azerbaijan," Vladimir Dorokhin stressed.
