Russia, Moscow / corr Trend R.Agayev / A ceremonial reception to mark the 15th Anniversary of diplomatic relationships between Azerbaijan and Russia was held at the Azerbaijani Embassy in Moscow
Welcoming the guests, the Azerbaijani Ambassador to Russia, Polad Bulbuloglu, noted that the current friendly and fruitful relationships are based on official agreements, rich experiences and long traditions of co-operation. He particularly stressed that the Azerbaijani-Russian relationships had entered a troubled period, but gained new strength with the great national leader Heydar Aliyev's accession to power. His great significance was the signing of the document based on bilateral co-operation in 1997.
Bulbuloglu also noted that the new era of the Azerbaijani-Russian relationships began in 2001, when the Russian President paid an official visit to Azerbaijan. "Thanks to President Ilham Aliyev and President Vladimir Putin, now we are witnessing the intensification and expansion of friendly and good neighborhood relationships in all spheres," Bulbuloglu stated.
In his reply, the Russian Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov, voiced his satisfaction with the current state of bilateral relationships between Russia and Azerbaijan and noted that the ceremony celebrating the 15th Anniversary of these bonds is also a very wonderful reason to meet with friends. The two countries are interrelated by friendship and co-operation that dates back many centuries. He said that thanks to a high level of friendly private ties, efforts and unchanged policy the Presidents of Russia and Azerbaijan, Vladimir Putin and Ilham Aliyev, the Azerbaijani-Russian relationships have been successfully developing in all areas and have excellent prospects to develop bilateral co-operation.
Attending the reception were Russian State and government officials, senators, members of the State Duma [Russian Parliament], representatives from the Ministries and departments, renowned public figures relating to culture, science and education. Also in attendance were Aslanbek Aslakhanov, adviser to the Russian President, Jahan Polliyeva, Assistant to the Russian President, Svetlana Orolova, Deputy Chairman of the Council of Federation, Mikhael Shvidkoy, Head of the Federal Agency for Culture Russia.