The Foreign Minister of Russia, Sergey Lavrov, will make an official visit to Azerbaijan from 21-22 May, informs ITAR-TASS quoting the Russian Foreign Ministry. The Russian Foreign Minister will be received by the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev. In addition, Lavrov is expected to meet with Azerbaijan's Prime Minister, Artur Rasizade and Foreign Minister, Elmar Mammadyarov.
The meetings will focus on the realization of the agreements on regarding elevating inter-country relations to a new level through improving co-operation in all spheres, the Ministry stated. Lavrov and Mammadyarov will discuss possibilities for strengthening the co-operation within the CIS and intensify the co-ordination actions in the international organizations. The steps will be discussed with regards to co-operation in UNO, OSCE, and the EU.
In addition, debates will be organized regarding the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement. " Russia intends to assist the conflicting parties, Azerbaijan and Armenia, in reaching a solution. However, the key responsibility for selecting a concluding settlement formula falls on Azerbaijan and Armenia. Russia stands ready to support the conflict settlement variant that satisfies both parties and to act as guarantor of regulations if a compromise is reached," an anonymous source told reporters from Smolensk Square. According to the source, it is intended to discuss the issues of working out the legal status of the Caspian Sea, ensuring security in the region, and conducting the second Caspian Summit.
"It is very important for us that Azerbaijan assesses the present situation of the prospects of the development of the relations between the two countries," the Foreign Ministry mentioned. "The economic aspect of the co-operation assumes a great importance for Azerbaijan and Russia. The high rates of economic development in Russia and Azerbaijan increases the attractiveness of the two countries in developing a mutually beneficial co-operation," the same source stated.
"Prospects exist to expand the co-operation with regard to fuel and energy complexes, scientific technologies, innovation activities, as well as the expansion of the direct economic relations between Russia and Azerbaijan," said the source in Smolensk Square.