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Russia and Azerbaijan to sign 5 or 6 documents during Putin's visit to Baku

The signing ceremony will take place after the talks between Vladimir Putin and Ilkham Aliev

Photo ITAR-TASS/Alexei Nikolsky

Photo ITAR-TASS/Alexei Nikolsky

MOSCOW, August 12 (Itar-Tass) - Russia and Azerbaijan are expected to sign half a dozen documents during Vladimir Putin's working visit to Baku on Tuesday, an aide to the head of the Russian state told reporters.

"The signing ceremony will take place after the talks. Five or six bilateral agreements are being prepared," Yuri Ushakov noted.

He did not specify which documents would be signed noting that they were being negotiated. The aide did mention however that some of them regard to the energy sphere.

The Kremlin noted consistency in the development of cooperation in this field. In 2012, Azerbaijan supplied 1.55 million cubic meters of natural gas to Russia. In January - June 2013, Russia purchased 0.88 billion cubic meters of gas from Azerbaijan. There are more than 500 Russian companies operating in the republic.

Bilateral cooperation has been successfully developing in other areas. "Azerbaijan is traditionally one of the most important Russian partners in the Commonwealth of Independent States /CIS/. Bilateral interaction includes intensive political dialogue and active trade, regional and cultural ties," Ushakov noted

Bilateral trade has been increasing in a stable trend: it grew by 10.8% to $3.4 billion in 2012. In January -May it grew by 40%.

"Russia is Azerbaijan's leading foreign trade partner," the aide underscored.

The countries are expanding parliamentary cooperation, their foreign ministries closely interact, regional ties are becoming stronger, and cooperation in the field of education is developing at a good rage. "During the talks, the presidents will consider preparations for the 3rd International Humanitarian Forum in Baku on October 31-November 1," Ushakov said.

The two leaders will also touch upon the key issues of international and regional agenda, the legal regime of the Caspian Sea and the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

Putin will arrive in Baku on Tuesday afternoon. The program of his visit envisions one-on-one talks with President Ilkham Aliyev and broader negotiations involving officials of the two countries.

During the Baku summit, Caspian Fleet warships will make a friendly call to the Baku port. The leaders are expected to visit one of the warships.

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