Russia, Moscow /corr. Trend R.Agayev / "The relations between Azerbaijan and Russia are assessed by the Heads of the two countries as strategic. It means that we are co-operating practically in all spheres of our activities," the First Lady of Azerbaijan, President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, Mehriban Aliyeva, briefed the media in Moscow.
The Foundation's President stated that relations between Azerbaijan and Russia are developing with regards to the policy, economy and culture. "2005 was the Year of Azerbaijan in Russia and 2006 - the Year of Russia in Azerbaijan. Many cultural events, including concerts and exhibitions, were held within this cultural exchange both in Moscow and in Baku. Our countries are connected by long years good neighborly friendship and I am very glad that today these traditions are continuing," Aliyeva said.
Commenting on the tourism prospects of Azerbaijan, Mehriban Aliyeva said that Azerbaijan is in the possession of unique nature and nine of the eleven climate zones are in existence in Azerbaijan. "There are sea and mountains in Azerbaijan. Baku is one of the capitals located on the coast of the Caspian Sea. Of course, it provides good opportunities for the development of the tourism. Currently the tourism sphere is actively developing in Azerbaijan, hotels are being constructed, tourism facilities are being opened and I think that this sphere has a large future. I believe that Azerbaijan will transfer into a large tourism industry and it will find its reflection in Baku magazine," Azerbaijan's First Lady said.
Mehriban Aliyeva participated in the presentation ceremony of the first edition of the Baku magazine, of which Editor-in-Chief is Leyla Aliyeva, the Head of Heydar Aliyev Foundation's Representation in Russia, in Moscow. According to Azerbaijan's First Lady, the magazine will play a significant role in the cultural dialogue between the two countries. "Today Azerbaijan is very dynamically developing, takes a leading position in the region for the rates of economic growth, as well as a leading position in the world. In order to become sure of all these processes, it needs to arrive in Baku and see all these with own eyes. Currently large-scale construction works are being carried out, new bridges and schools are being constructed and all historical monuments are being re-established in Baku," Mehriban Aliyeva said.