Baku is hosting the third interregional forum Russian-Azerbaijani Dialogue-2012 organized by the Institute of Eurasian Studies supported by the presidential administrations of Russia and Azerbaijan. Ramiz Mehtiyev, head of the Azerbaijani Presidential Administration, read out the message President Ilham Aliyev sent. Aliyev noted that Azerbaijani-Russian ties are based on strategic partnership and continue development in all spheres.
The Azerbaijani leader noted the importance of economic, science and humanitarian ties in improving welfare of both peoples. Positive trade-economic and investment climate prevents repercussions caused by global economic recession. Aliyev expressed confidence that the forum will boost development of bilateral ties.
Russian President Vladimir Putin's message was read out by Vladimir Chernov, head of the presidential directorate for interregional and cultural ties with foreign states. The forum is a platform for constructive dialogue, a generator of prospects of bilateral developments.
Chernov said that the forum was turning into one of the main points of Azerbaijani-Russian relations. Over 70 Russian regions are involved in the process.
Mehtiyev said that Russia has a share of over 50% in Azerbaijan's trade turnover with CIS. Trade turnover reached $2.828 billion in 2011, increasing by 47.4% compared with 2010. Russia and Azerbaijan marked the 20th anniversary of diplomatic ties this year.
The head of the presidential administration said that Azerbaijani National Leader Heydar Aliyev created the basis for strategic ties of Russia and Azerbaijan. Putin's coming to power in 2000 contributed to the process. The two states are strategic partners. The border on River Samur was resolved. Baku, Moscow and Astana have almost reached an agreement on status of the Caspian Sea. They cooperate in the OSCE, UN and other organizations. Azerbaijan is grateful for Russia's support in the UN Security Council.
The Azerbaijani-Russian intergovernmental commission for economic cooperation has been operating since 1996. Azerbaijan is becoming more attractive for foreign and transnational companies. Azerbaijan has 457 Russian companies and organizations. 219 of them are fully Russian, 149 of them have joint capital, 89 are branches and offices. This includes LUKOIL, Baltica (beer company), Nikoil Bank, VTB Bank and many others, Mehtiyev says.
Russian Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador to Azerbaijan Vladimir Dorkhin agreed with the fast pace of development of ties. Seven Russian regions visited Azerbaijan in 2011.
Azerbaijani Minister for Economic Development Shakhin Mustafayev confirmed the level of strategic partnership. The sides have over 100 agreements in force. Russia was the top 3rd state for Azerbaijan, in terms of trade turnover an fourth top importer of Azerbaijani products.
Sergey Subbotin, Deputy Plenipotentiary Presidential Envoy to the North Caucasian Federal District, said that strategic partnership is a priority. Russia wants to see Azerbaijani business in North Caucasus tourism.
Alexey Vlasov, Editor-in-Chief of Vestnik Kavkaza, attending the talks noted that cooperation of Azerbaijan and states of the Single Economic Space has good prospects.
A group of Russian and Azerbaijani scientists pf the North-South Center prepared a report "Prospects of economic cooperation of Russia and Azerbaijan within the framework of forming the Eurasian modernization project" was composed. Vlasov is a co-author of the report.Baku has successful achievements in cooperation with Minsk, Kishinev, Bishkek, Kiev. There are good prospects for mutually beneficial interaction within the framework of the Eurasian project and Azerbaijan.
