Russia, Astrakhan, May 18 / Trend's special correspondent V.Tyukaev/
Azerbaijani Presidential Administration Social and Political Department head Ali Hasanov has met with the Astrakhan governor Alexander Zhilkin and head of the Russian President's Department for Interregional and Cultural Relations with Foreign Countries Sergei Vinokurov as part of the second Russian-Azerbaijan Inter-Regional Forum on Wednesday.
"The foundations for the modern relationship between the two countries were laid by the Presidents of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and Russia Dmitry Medvedev, said Hasanov. - Based on this foundation, at the Astrakhan forum we will discuss our next steps, find the points that unite us."
Speaking about the relations between the Astrakhan region and Azerbaijan, Zhilkin mentioned their rapid development, saying that Russia currently implements a range of joint business, humanitarian and social projects with Azerbaijan. "The modern relationship of the sides has strong historical roots, and therefore, Astrakhan may become a permanent platform for dialogue between Russia and Azerbaijan," said the governor.
Vinokurov said at the meeting that the relations between Russia and Azerbaijan take partner and strategic character.
"Clearly, the more weighty importance is attached to the interregional cooperation, direct contacts of the regions. Exactly for this reason, we hold this forum in Astrakhan," said Vinokourov.
The second Russian-Azerbaijani Interregional Forum "Russia - Azerbaijan: towards new horizons of interregional cooperation" kicks off in Astrakhan today. Plenary meetings and four roundtables will be held within the forum.