Javanshir Veliyev, the head of the Propaganda, Information and Analytic Department of the State Committee on Work with Azerbaijanis residing abroad, told Trend the State Committee on Work with Azerbaijanis residing abroad are working over an information report on the state of Azerbaijanis in Russia with the consideration of migration problems.
Russia is a country which hosts the highest number of Azerbaijanis and the he largest Azerbaijani Diaspora organizations. The mass migration of Azerbaijanis to the neighboring country makes Baku to pay more attention to Russia.
Veliyev drew attention to official data which urges that 1.5 million Azerbaijanis reside in Russia, including 630,000 residing on legal basis, while the rest 1 million people work illegally. We want Azerbaijanis flowing to Russia not to be involved only in earning their living, but become an active part of the Russian society capable of influencing both on public and authorities, Veliyev underlined.
We endeavor to consolidate the Azerbaijani Diasporas in different world countries, while the intelligentsia is the force which can affect on public opinion and authorities of the country they reside. Their attraction to the leadership of the Diaspora organizations is one of the important priorities. With this respect we carry out regular forums with the representatives of the Azerbaijani intelligentsia, art and culture figures worldwide, as the rich historical and cultural and scientific heritage of Azerbaijan is a visit card for the nation and the world ought to know about it, Veliyev underlined.