Our countries' relations are developing successfully: Putin to Aliyev

A meeting took place in Sochi between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. According to RIA Novosti, the parties noted the positive dynamics in the development of trade and economic relations between the two countries.

“Despite the fact that there has been a pause in our personal communications, the relations between our countries continue to develop and are developing successfully. Our trade and economic ties are strengthening, with trade turnover last year amounting to 2.5 billion dollars,” Putin stated.

Putin also mentioned that the countries have good prospects in this regard. “I mean the projects initiated by the President of Azerbaijan. We are doing everything we can to ensure that these major projects are realized,” Putin noted, adding that intergovernmental commissions from both sides are working on this.

For his part, Aliyev expressed gratitude to the Russian leader for the meeting. “As you mentioned, we haven't met for some time, specifically for 4 months. This is a rather long period, considering the intensity of our communications last year,” Aliyev stated, recalling that they had four meetings last year.

The Azerbaijani President also noted positive dynamics in the economic sector. Aliyev mentioned that trade turnover increased by more than 20% from the beginning of the year until August.

“For us, Russia is a key partner, a friend, a good neighbor. We value these relations highly. I am confident that today’s discussions will be a good investment in further strengthening our ties,” concluded Aliyev.