Yekaterinburg, Russia, Sept.30
Trend:
The 6th Russian-Azerbaijani interregional forum kicked off at the International Exhibition Center in Yekaterinburg, Russia on Sept.30.
Ali Hasanov, Azerbaijani president's aide for public and political affairs read out the greeting message of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to the forum participants.
In his message, Ilham Aliyev congratulated the forum participants with opening of the forum and noted that this year the event is being held in Yekaterinburg - the administrative center of Sverdlovsk oblast with which Azerbaijan has traditionally close trade and economic relations.
The representatives of the large Azerbaijani diaspora actively participating in the socio-political, socio-economic and cultural life of the region play an important role in maintaining and strengthening these relations, said the message from Azerbaijani president.
Ilham Aliyev noted that the interregional forums showed their viability and effectiveness in a relatively short period of time.
They are rightfully considered to be a needed platform for coordinating positions and consolidating efforts for joint activities, creating business contacts and discussing the prospects for expanding them, said Azerbaijan's president.
A constructive and open dialogue allowing to create direct and mutually beneficial relations between Azerbaijan and the federal entities of Russia is held in these meetings, according to Ilham Aliyev. He also said that the forum's format allows to review a broad spectrum of issues, ranging from trade, economic and investment partnership to cooperation in the humanitarian sphere.
Azerbaijani president said it is a welcome fact that a separate 'round table' has been organized as part of the current event with participation of young scientists and entrepreneurs from both sides.
Such kind of a dialogue platform helps not only find more effective forms and areas of cooperation, but also allows to find new friends and like-minded people among the youth, Ilham Aliyev said.
"It is not a secret that the prospects for developing bilateral ties between our countries namely depend on the youth with high intelligence and communication skills," he added.
"Assessing the current state of the Azerbaijani-Russian relations, we can say with satisfaction that they have reached the level of strategic partnership as a result of the joint efforts," Aliyev said.
The head of state expressed confidence that the forum will give a new impetus to intensifying the integration processes and bring the two countries closer.
President Aliyev wished the forum participants successful work and achieving their goals.
