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The discussion focused on different issues on the bilateral agenda, as well as prospects for developing trade and economic cooperation. Opinions were exchanged on current international and regional issues.

Following the talks Vladimir Putin and Ilham Aliyev signed the Joint Statement on Priority Areas of Economic Cooperation between Russia and Azerbaijan. A package of intergovernmental and commercial documents was also signed as part of the visit.

Among them is a programme of intergovernmental cooperation through to 2024 and an action plan on developing key areas of the Russia-Azerbaijan cooperation (5 roadmaps). In particular, agreements were signed on developing economic cooperation, on enhancing cooperation in industry, on cooperation in tourism, sport and digital transport systems. The documents signed also concern customs control, developing assembly manufacturing of GAZ vehicles in Azerbaijan, joint surveying of the oil and gas potential in Azerbaijan’s section of the Caspian Sea bed, and developing small and medium-sized business.

Later the President of Russia and the President of Azerbaijan made statements for the press.

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Beginning of talks with President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr President, friends,

It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to Sochi.

I would like to stress that our meetings are held regularly, and this is only natural since we enjoy extensive interaction, which we call a strategic partnership.

Our relations are also developing along both the political lines and in the economy. Last year trade between our countries grew by 34 percent, even over 34 percent, whereas in the first six months of this year the sales volumes of civilian industry products grew by 20 percent. These are very good indicators.

Naturally, we always have topics for discussion, and I am very glad that you accepted our invitation and came to Russia today. Welcome.

President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev: Thank you very much, Mr President.

First of all I would like to thank you for your invitation to visit Russia. I am always glad to meet with you.

As you said, we meet regularly, and our meetings give an impetus to our relations.

We are satisfied with the level of interaction in all areas. Our relations are developing fully and very effectively. There is active political dialogue.

You have noted the growth of trade, which speaks of the positive trends in our countries’ economies and also of a large potential for economic cooperation. I am confident that our trade will continue to grow in the coming years.

We cooperate in the energy sector, and in the transport sector.

Of course, we are also going to discuss issues related to the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan, and other regional issues.

So the agenda is broad enough. I am confident that our meeting today will give an additional impetus to our relations.

Thank you again for the invitation.

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