AZERBAIJAN - SAMPLE FOR OTHER COUNTRIES IN DEVELOPMENT OF DEMOCRACY, PARLIAMENTARISM AND HUMAN RIGHTS
On 28 March, Chairman of Azerbaijan Parliament Ogtay Asadov and Speaker of the Federation Council of Russian Federation Sergey Mironov met in private. Then, the Speakers met at presence of delegations. Azerbaijan attaches special importance to the relations with the neighboring Russia, Ogtay Asadov said. The Russian language is studied in 431 secondary schools and about 30 higher educational institutions. Many newspapers and journals are issued in Azerbaijan and two Russian TV channels are broadcast freely. The Russian community plays important role in development of bilateral relations.
Noting the role of the heads of state in expansion of bilateral relations between the two countries, Ogtay 
Asadov said that thanks to the efforts of Presidents, the Azerbaijan-Russia relations have reached strategic partnership level. The trade-economic ties intensively grow and Russia is reliable trade partner to Azerbaijan. Last year, the trade turnover averaged 1 billion 500 thousand dollars. Over 390 Russian companies have been registered in Azerbaijan, Ogtay Asadov emphasized.
Asadov said that thanks to the efforts of Presidents, the Azerbaijan-Russia relations have reached strategic partnership level. The trade-economic ties intensively grow and Russia is reliable trade partner to Azerbaijan. Last year, the trade turnover averaged 1 billion 500 thousand dollars. Over 390 Russian companies have been registered in Azerbaijan, Ogtay Asadov emphasized. As stated, the Azeri and Russian parliamentarians have the same position in many questions on the international structures.
Alongside with dynamic development, Speaker of Azerbaijan Parliament noted that the Armenia-Azerbaijan, Nagorno Karabakh conflict impedes development of the entire region. “We hope, the OSCE Minsk Group will increase its efforts to find solution to this problem”, Mr. Asadov underlined.
Speaker of the Federation Council of Russian Federation expressed gratitude for hospitality, stating that current visit would promote development of strategic partnership relations. He highly estimated the role of Inter-Parliamentary Commission in development of these ties. Azerbaijan is a sample for other countries in development of democracy, parliamentarism and human rights,
Sergey Mironov expressed hope that current visit would promote strengthening of bilateral relations.
The sides had comprehensive exchange of views on a number of other questions of mutual interest.
