Azerbaijan, Irkutsk oblast expand cooperation
Irkutsk, June 24, AZERTAC
The significant potential exists for developing economic and interregional cooperation with Azerbaijan, Governor of Irkutsk oblast Igor Kobzev told journalists, following his meeting with Rahman Mustafayev, Azerbaijan’s ambassador to Russia.
According to Igor Kobzev, relations between the Irkutsk Oblast and Azerbaijan are characterized by a constructive, reliable, and sincere nature. He highly praised the active role of the local Azerbaijani community, which participates dynamically in the social and cultural life of the province and serves as an important bridge in the development of bilateral relations.
"The plans for friendship and cooperation envisioned more than thirty years ago are being fully realized in the Irkutsk Oblast," the Governor emphasized.
Igor Kobzev also noted that the sides discussed the prospects for expanding trade and economic relations between business representatives, adding that Irkutsk, as a strongly export-oriented region, is keen on exploring new areas of cooperation with Azerbaijan.
"Azerbaijani entrepreneurs will be invited to participate in the Baikal International Business Forum scheduled to be held in Irkutsk at the end of August under the auspices of the East Siberian Chamber of Commerce and Industry," the Governor added.
Furthermore, the Governor proposed designating one of Azerbaijan’s regions to establish and develop direct interregional cooperation with the Irkutsk Oblast. He noted that the Azerbaijani community could serve as a valuable bridge for the deeper evolution of these mutual relations, adding that the Irkutsk Oblast is fully prepared to participate in the activities of the Azerbaijan-Russia Intergovernmental Commission and showcase the region's expansive potential alongside representatives of small, medium, and large businesses.
Azerbaijani Ambassador to Russia Rahman Mustafayev underlined that expanding multi-faceted cooperation with the distinct regions of the Russian Federation holds great strategic importance for Azerbaijan.
“During the meeting with the Governor, we discussed a wide range of issues and potential fields of partnership. First and foremost, this concerns the intensification of trade and economic relations between our countries,” the diplomat noted.
According to the Ambassador, the sides reviewed specific sectors and paths of mutual engagement, including the establishment of joint ventures, the expansion of export supplies, the search for new commercial partners, and the active participation of Irkutsk-based companies in international exhibitions hosted in Azerbaijan.
Rahman Mustafayev stressed that establishing direct partnerships between the individual regions of Azerbaijan and the Irkutsk Oblast remains a vital direction. “I would specifically highlight the absolute priority areas: trade, economy, investment cooperation, science, education, culture, and tourism,” he added.
The Ambassador also drew attention to the rich tourism potential of the Irkutsk Oblast and the global significance of Lake Baikal as one of Russia's premier travel destinations. He concluded by stating that both sides are deeply interested in substantially increasing the mutual flow of tourists between Azerbaijan and the Irkutsk Oblast.
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