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Lavrov finds dynamics of Russia-Azerbaijan economic relations positive

The minister noted that the trade between the two countries reached 3.5 billion roubles in the previous year and increased by ten percent compared with the previous figure

MOSCOW, May 21 (Itar-Tass) - The dynamics of trade and economic relations between Russia and Azerbaijan is positive, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said after the negotiations with his Azerbaijani counterpart Elmar Mamedyarov here on Tuesday.

The minister noted that the trade between the two countries reached 3.5 billion roubles in the previous year and increased by ten percent compared with the previous figure. This fact was promoted by the implementation of important projects in the energy sphere and the activities of the joint intergovernmental commission on trade and economic cooperation, Lavrov noted.

The Russian foreign minister noted the role of development of humanitarian cooperation between Russia and Azerbaijan, which “is very important for the mutual understanding between our peoples.” “We will use different opportunities for our goals, particularly the Baku international humanitarian forum, which was created in October 2011 and proved that it is needed,” the minister noted. In his words, the recent meeting of the graduates of the Moscow State Institute of International Relations (University - the Moscow Foreign Ministry) is also important in this respect. Lavrov thanked the Azerbaijani leadership for the aid in the organizing of the meeting.

The foreign minister noted “the aim of the Azerbaijani leadership for the support of the Russian language.” “This approach meets the interests of our countries,” the minister remarked. Lavrov noted that a program for bilateral humanitarian cooperation until 2015 is being prepared for signing.

The Russian foreign minister noted the importance of the cooperation between the two countries in international organizations - the U.N., OSCE, the Council of Europe and the Black Sea Cooperation Organization.

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