She noted that both countries are consistently and actively working to expand ties and strengthen cooperation in all areas, including economics, science and culture.
“Of course, certain problems arise from time to time. We manage to solve these problems. However, it is fundamentally important that among these problems there is not one that would impede our partnership. In many respects, we owe this to the presidents of our countries, Vladimir Putin and Ilham Aliyev. Both leaders enjoy regular contacts and friendly dialogue based on mutual confidence,” the speaker said.
Matviyenko stressed that Russia-Azerbaijan cooperation continues to develop progressively and in an ascending line. “We has established a model that meets the fundamental interests of our states and citizens,” she added.
The speaker also praised the development of interregional ties.
“One can speak of truly strong and dynamically developing interstate cooperation only when the regions of the two countries are involved in it. When contacts develop between representatives of government, business, and the public,” she said.
Matviyenko hailed the huge role of the Russian-Azerbaijani interregional forum, calling it a ‘unique platform’ for dialogue.
“This year marks the forum’s 10th anniversary. The forum’s relevance and effectiveness are constantly growing. Over 70 Russian regions have established cooperation with Azerbaijan. I’m sure that the 10th forum will expand the list of Russian regions,” the speaker said.
She noted that Azerbaijan is one of the most dynamically developing countries in the post-Soviet space.
“The macroeconomic stability is secured in Azerbaijan and new jobs are being created in the country. All this is the result of the reforms carried out in the country. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and his team managed to develop and implement transformations that meet the political, economic, social, cultural realities and needs of the country,” Matviyenko added.
Parties to the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict must show restraint in order to find an effective solution to the problem, Chairperson of Russia’s Federation Council Valentina Matviyenko said.
Matviyenko noted that Russia, as part of OSCE activities, is helping to resolve the Karabakh problem.
“The situation is calm in the region, but we are concerned about the rhetoric that doesn’t contribute to creating a favorable atmosphere in the search for a solution to the Karabakh problem,” the chairperson noted. “It seems to me that it is necessary to be more restrained in order to find a compromise solution and move forward, because both in Armenia and in Azerbaijan, people want peace and a normal life for development. We will do everything to effectively fulfill the role of a mediator.”
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