The plenary session of the eighth Russian-Azerbaijani inter-regional forum under the motto "Investments, innovations and tourism" opened in Russia's Stavropol.
Messages from Russian President Vladimir Putin and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev were read out by Russia's Economic Development Minister Maxim Oreshkin and Azerbaijan's Economy Minister Shahin Mustafayev.
Vladimir Putin stressed that the Russian-Azerbaijani interregional forum plays a significant role in developing a strategic partnership between Moscow and Baku, as well as helps to effectively realize the serious potential of bilateral cooperation.
"You will consider strengthening our cooperation in the fields of industry, agriculture, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, analyzing the possibilities for increasing tourism flows and youth exchanges, and propose interesting and substantial projects related to the education, science and sports," the Russian President said.
Vladimir Putin expressed confidence that the decisions made during the open constructive discussions will be put to practical use. "I wish you fruitful communication, achievement of your goals and all the best," the Russian president concluded.
Ilham Aliyev's message to participants of the forum stressed that annual meetings of heads of state structures, representatives of business circles and leading expert communities of Azerbaijan and Russia have become a good tradition and a landmark event in the life of the two countries.
"Today it is quite obvious that interregional forums have become an authoritative platform, where topical issues of mutual interest are discussed. Noteworthy is the fact that the focus of your attention is always on priority areas of cooperation – from trade and economic to humanitarian. Main aspects of interaction are discussed, contracts and agreements are concluded, business projects are promoted and contacts are established for future initiatives on the sidelines of forums," the President noted.
"All this, of course, makes a significant contribution to the further deepening of constructive dialogue between the two countries, opens new prospects and opportunities, gives momentum to the Azerbaijani-Russian ties. I am confident that within the framework of the current business program you will have new ideas and joint projects, the implementation of which will be another step in strengthening of mutual understanding and trust between Azerbaijan and Russia. I wish you successful and fruitful work," Ilham Aliyev concluded.
