Valentina Matviyenko, head of the Federation Council of Russia, has recently arrived in Baku. She has visited the Honorary Alley and the Alley of Sheikhs and commemorated the memory of Heydar Aliyev.
Matviyenko said that the parliaments of Azerbaijan, Russia and Armenia may contribute to settling the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. The sides need to organize more contacts, hold more meetings of cultural figures and enforce mutual trust, she pointed out at a meeting with Azerbaijani Speaker of Parliament Oktay Asadov.
Russia, as a co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group, is doing its best to resolve the conflict. Matviyenko reminded about President Dmitry Medvedev’s trilateral meetings with presidents of Azerbaijan and Armenia. The sides operate according to UN resolutions, with assistance of the CIS Parliamentary Assembly.
Russia and Azerbaijan have a trade over of $2.8 billion and plan to reach $3 billion in 2012, Matviyenko emphasized.
She visited the Baku Slav University and noted the need for innovations in economy, Trend reports.
Matviyenko added that the branch of the Moscow State University in Baku is popular. Many Azerbaijani students study at Russian higher education centers. She noted that Azerbaijan’s temporary membership at the UN Security Council proves its high authority and influence.
The Russia official reminded about a joint parliamentary commission of the Federal Assembly. Interparliamentary ties will improve cooperation. 70 Russian regions have contacts with Azerbaijan, she says.
Valentina Matviyenko expressed doubts that Russia and Azerbaijan would reach an agreement on lease of the Qabala radar. Several rounds of talks between Defense Ministries and Foreign Ministries have been held. Many issues have been resolved, but many remain open, she stresses.
