POLITICS
Speaker Valentina Matviyenko: Russia and Azerbaijan are strategic partners
Baku, April 12, AZERTAC
“Russia and Azerbaijan are strategic partners,” said Chairperson of the Federation Council of the Russian Federation Valentina Matviyenko as she met with Speaker of Azerbaijan`s Parliament Ogtay Asadov.
Matviyenko hailed close relationship between Russia and Azerbaijan. She said that thanks to this relationship the two countries always maintain open dialogue, discuss development of bilateral ties and ways to address problems.
She noted that this year marks 27 years of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Russia and Azerbaijan. Matviyenko emphasized that the bilateral cooperation has expanded in all areas and reached a level of strategic partnership. She hailed the development of humanitarian cooperation between the two countries.
Touching upon the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, Matviyenko said that her country strives to resolve the conflict peacefully. “There is no other way to resolve this conflict. Russia will not reduce its efforts aimed at solving the Nagorno-Karabakh problem,” she added.
Speaker Asadov expressed his confidence that this visit will give a new impetus to the development of Azerbaijan-Russia relations and inter-parliamentary ties between the two countries.
“Russia is one of the first countries to recognize Azerbaijan's independence and since then, a strong strategic partnership has been established between our countries. Our Presidents have significantly contributed to the development of bilateral relations between the two countries. They enjoy strong political relations and close ties of friendship,” Asadov mentioned.
He praised the development of humanitarian relations between Azerbaijan and Russia. Asadov also highlighted the attention paid to Russian language in Azerbaijan.
He also spoke of the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, emphasizing the importance of its soonest peaceful settlement to the entire region.