Baku, Fineko/abc.az. The 3rd interregional forum "Russian-Azerbaijani dialogue - 2012" has opened in Baku.

Presidential Administration’s head Ramiz Mehdiyev read out a letter from Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to the forum participants, in which the head of the state emphasized that relationships between Azerbaijan and Russia are based on strategic partnership and continue to develop in all areas.

"Recent years’ experience has shown that creation of favorable investment climate has also contributed to prevention of the negative effects of the global crisis. In this area, regional relations between Azerbaijan and Russia could become a model. At present, Azerbaijan also has direct ties with the Russian Federation, and I am sure that business discussions within today’s forum will give a new impetus to the development of Azerbaijani-Russian links,” the President’s statement says.

In turn, Ramiz Mehdiyev said that both countries’ leaders are interested in expanding relations in all spheres, and today’s forum will make its contribution to the process of developing these ties.

"This forum provides an excellent opportunity for a constant dialogue and exchange of views, joint search for new forms of interaction. Regional forums have become effective for discussion of issues of mutual interest. I am sure that today’s meeting will enable to consider a number of important projects to determine the prospects for cooperation," Mehdiyev said.

He added that Russia was and remains one of the main trade partners of Azerbaijan. Last year, bilateral trade turnover has broken the record level of $2.828 bn that exceeds the 2010 index by 47.4%.

"This result has been achieved for the first time in the history of relationships, and it certainly gladdens, but we have great opportunities ahead. Azerbaijan is becoming an attractive country for investments. At present there are 457 Russian enterprises and organizations, of which 215 are with 100% Russian capital, 149 are joint ventures, and 87 are representative offices and branches," Mehdiyev said.

The forum organizer is the Institute of Eurasian Studies with support from the administrations of Presidents of Russia and Azerbaijan.

28.06.2012 11:20