Today the international multi-media press center of RIA Novosti hosted a
round-table discussion on "Azerbaijanis in Russia: business, culture,
charity." It was organized in the framework of the project "Russia for
All". Experts talked about the promotion of diaspora compatriots and the
participation of citizens of Azerbaijan in the development of Russian
society and culture, as well as economic relations between the two
countries.
The round table was attended by Assistant Professor of the History
Department of Moscow State University Ismail Agakishiyev, Deputy Dean of
the History Department of Moscow State University, Executive Director
of the Political Studies Center "North-South" Alexei Vlasov and
Vice-President of the Azerbaijan Youth Organization of Russia (AYOR)
Emin Hajiyev.
Commenting for VK on the key themes of the round-table discussion, Ismail Agakishiyev
said that each member of the Azerbaijani diaspora is a Russian citizen and his
main requirement should be to ensure stability and prosperity, both in
Russia and in Azerbaijan.
As a representative of the Azerbaijani diaspora, Ismail Agakishiyev
among others highlighted the work of two special institutions actively
working to strengthen Azerbaijani-Russian relations - the Heydar
Aliyev Foundation and the Azerbaijani Youth Organization of Russia.
"Azerbaijani-Russian relations have a long history. The current stage of
relations was laid by the Presidents of Azerbaijan and Russia Heydar
Aliyev and Vladimir Putin. It is no accident that the two presidents were at
the origins of the All-Russian Azerbaijani Congress, the most powerful
diaspora organizations of Azerbaijanis in Russia. The objective of the
diaspora structures, in the words of Vladimir Putin, include the
promotion of the cultures, traditions and interests of Azerbaijan in Russia
and the interests of Russia in Azerbaijan.
A significant contribution to the strengthening of Russian-Azerbaijani
relations is made by the Heydar Aliyev foundation. It is headed by first
lady Mehriban Aliyeva, while Leyla Aliyeva is vice-president of the
organization, the head of the Russian branch. The
organization implemented numerous projects in various directions -
educational, social, charitable.
Leyla Aliyeva was able to unite Azerbaijani students studying in
Russia in the Azerbaijani Youth Organization of Russia - AMOR,
providing a very important continuity of generations.
With the support of these organizations, Russian students have
the opportunity to visit Azerbaijan for events and see the dynamically-developing
country with their own eyes. I think this is very positive,
and I would like to thank these organizations for the fact that they
work effectively with young people and for the benefit of
Russian-Azerbaijani relations.
Another example - a creative group of students visit the History
Faculty of Moscow State University in Baku for the celebration of
Victory Day on May 9 and give a presentation to 120 veterans, held
with the support of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation.
All these projects confirm the continuity of generations and that the
friendship between Russia and Azerbaijan is real and palpable.
What we have inherited should be protected and it should be understood that,
unfortunately, there are detractors who want to create divisions in
Azerbaijani-Russian relations. Articles, publications and statements
in the media and so on. It is not difficult to distinguish these
provocations, when they clearly show a lack of analysis or of a balance
of interests of impartiality. The response to such allegations could
be a deep understanding of the issues of bilateral relations. There is
no question on which it would be impossible to reach an agreement
between Azerbaijan and Russia, especially with good will, which
the present presidents of the two countries have always shown,"
Ismail Agakishiyev said.
