Russia, Astrakhan, May 19 / Trend V. Tukayev /
The development of integration processes in the Caspian region largely depends on Azerbaijan and Russia, Russian Presidential Department for Interregional and Cultural Relations with Foreign Countries Chief Sergei Vinokurov said at the Second Russian-Azerbaijani Inter-Regional Forum opened in Astrakhan today.
"Our countries seek to resolve the status of the Caspian Sea. The organization of the Caspian economic cooperation, as the Caspian summit in Baku noted, could become one of the most promising forms of cooperation of all Caspian littoral states," Vinokurov said.
He said the forum in Astrakhan is a continuation of dialogue that Azerbaijan and Russia began a year ago in Baku.
"Today we have formed another platform for system interaction, search for effective solutions and implementation of the arrangements," he said. "Indeed, the presidents of our countries set the tone and pace for the relations between Russia and Azerbaijan and thanks to the high political level of a dialogue between Dmitry Medvedev and Ilham Aliyev. We see the convergence of our positions on a variety of positions at both regional and interstate level. "
Vinokurov stressed the economic cooperation between the two countries.
He stressed that the trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Russia amounted to $1.9 billion in 2010. The number of direct contacts in business increase and mutual investments grow, Vinokurov said.
"More than 500 Russian enterprises operate in the Azerbaijani market today. Azerbaijani investors also invest in production facilities in Russia. Our relationships in the financial and banking sector also develop," he said.
Vinokurov said the humanitarian direction of the Azerbaijani-Russian cooperation also actively develops.
"Baku hosted the first Humanities Forum of the Russian-Azerbaijani public under President Aliyev's patronage in November 2010. The event caused a lot of positive response. The second forum is scheduled for September 2011," Vinokurov said listing a number of projects implemented in the humanitarian sphere.