Azerbaijan is a very important economic and investment partner of Russia, the Caspian Sea is not the only aspect conditioning their collaboration, as stated by Georgy Petrov, vice president of the Russian Commerce and Industry Chamber at the 'Caspian Dialogue, 2015' International Economic Forum in Moscow today. The official reminded that Azerbaijan got an additional opportunity to gain from selling vegetables and fruits to Russia in the context of sanctions.
Petrov highlighted cooperation in the Caspian Sea. He reminded that the oil era in Russia had started with the Baku oil. In the light of the 70th anniversary of the Great Victory, Petrov added that the Battle of Stalingrad was a battle for the Baku oil, which the Nazis needed to fuel tanks and aircraft.
In his opinion, Azerbaijan makes a very constructive contribution to strengthening cooperation of the five Caspian states.
The trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Russia totaled $304.3 million in January-February 2015, exceeding the volume of January-February 2014 by 19%. Azerbaijani Minister for Economic Development Shakhin Mustafayev said at a meeting with Russian Vice Prime Minister Arkady Dvorkovich on February 10 that Azerbaijani investors had transferred $1 billion in 2004-2013. Russian business invested $1.8 billion throughout the period.
