POLITICS
Azerbaijan, Russia discuss comprehensive enhancement of bilateral relations
Baku, November 20, AZERTAC
Azerbaijan`s Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov has today met with Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov, who is on an official visit to Baku.
They noted that Azerbaijan and Russia celebrate the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations this year. The two ministers hailed the development of good neighborly, friendly and strategic partnership relations between the two countries. The political significance of the Baku Declaration on Friendship and Strategic Cooperation, dated 3 July 2008, was particularly highlighted in the development of the bilateral relations.
The FMs emphasized that sincere friendship and dialogue that exist between President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin gives special impetus to the development of strategic partnership relations between the two countries.
The ministers reviewed the comprehensive enhancement of bilateral relations between Azerbaijan and Russia and discussed prospects for development.
The sides discussed the settlement of the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and commended the latest developments and intensification of the negotiations.
They also noted successful cooperation between the two countries within international organizations.
The importance of the Intergovernmental Joint Commission and political consultations mechanism between the foreign ministries was emphasized in the advancement of cooperation between the two countries.
The sides praised the regular direct inter-parliamentary relations and cooperation in international parliamentary organizations on the basis of the 2001 Agreement between the National Assembly of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation.
An important role played by the Azerbaijan-Russia Inter-regional Forum since 2011, in the expansion of trade turnover and trade relations between the two countries was also highlighted. As a result of the joint efforts of the two countries, the development of economic and trade relations and the growth of trade turnover and mutual tourist flow were especially emphasized.
The two ministers hailed the development of cooperation on the basis of Azerbaijan-Russia-Iran trilateral format and the joint activities aimed at the creation of the North-South transport corridor.
In the humanitarian field, discussions were held on further development and enhancement of cooperation in the spheres of culture and public affairs, science and education, information and youth policy on the basis of bilateral cooperation programs and the importance of the Baku Humanitarian Forum held under the auspices of the two countries.
The ministers also exchanged views on the legal status of the Caspian Sea, expanding the legal framework, as well as regional and global issues.