Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan Elmar Mammadyarov met with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov on May 21.

S. Lavrov expressed his satisfaction with his visit to Azerbaijan. He said Heydar Aliyev played a great role in developing bilateral ties.

E. Mammadyarov highlighted Russia’s role as the OSCE Minsk Group co-chair in promoting peace talks on the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh.

The sides also discussed Caspian Sea status, delimitation of borders, cooperation between the Azerbaijan Diplomatic Academy and Moscow State Institute of International Relations, migration, Iran’s nuclear issue, situation in Kosovo as well as prospects for political, economic, cultural, scientific and humanitarian cooperation between the two countries.

X X X

The meeting was followed by a joint press conference.

E. Mammadyarov stressed Russia’s role as OSCE Minsk Group co-chair in settling the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh.

According to E. Mammadyarov, Azerbaijan-Russia relationships have been intensified over recent years with trade turnover increasing as well. The countries share the same political stance in a number of areas.

The Head of the Azerbaijan’s Foreign Office said the sides exchanged their views on some regional and international issues.

Russian FM S. Lavrov highlighted the importance of cooperation with Azerbaijan. According to him, the groundwork of relations was laid by Heydar Aliyev with friendly relations between the two Presidents kick-starting the cooperation.

S. Lavrov said he discussed with his Azerbaijani counterpart the prospects of economic and humanitarian cooperation between the two countries. He pointed out that the 11th sitting of the intergovernmental commission is scheduled to take place very soon. According to the Russian Minister, there are educational plans, which include teaching of Azerbaijani language in the Russian educational institutions.

Minister noted that both countries share the same stand towards peace and stability in the Caucasus.

“Co-chairs intensively work to settle the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. We believe the agreement may be reached by the political will of both sides. As a co-chair and friendly nation, Russia will do everything to achieve this agreement,” Lavrov added.