On November 18, Ilham Aliyev held an expanded meeting with Mikhail Mishustin, the Prime Minister of Russia.
The Azerbaijani President welcomed the meeting participants: "Since the beginning of the year, President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin and I have set a good tone and dynamics in our relations. We have met several times during the year. Just yesterday, we had the opportunity to talk on the phone about important issues of the bilateral agenda. So, the presidents, as they say, set the tone for the entire spectrum of our relations. Of course, all relevant agencies are working in this direction."
He added, "Certainly, we are very pleased that the volume of mutual trade is reaching the pre-pandemic level, and I am confident that the dynamism will be continued. Because what is being discussed today, including the issues during your visit, will help us build up the potential for mutual trade. We also see good dynamics in the volume of cargo transportation. But as far as transit cargo is concerned, we are reaching record levels, somewhere around 50-60 percent, and there are excellent prospects for growth. Of course, in terms of transit and logistical infrastructure, we will build up the potential for cooperation, primarily on a bilateral basis, and, of course, with the involvement of neighboring countries because Russia and Azerbaijan have been actively investing in transport and logistical infrastructure in our countries for many years. Indeed, strengthening the potential of transport corridors, primarily North-South, will be in the interests of all countries involved in this project and will open up additional prospects, including those for business."
The Russian Prime Minister said: "Our governments are working very hard to implement the decisions that you - our presidents - have made. Yesterday, Ali Asadov and I participated in the 11th interregional forum, which practically touched upon the entire agenda of mutual relations. The highest priority was the energy, industry, transportation, cultural and humanitarian spheres. As a result of the talks, we signed several agreements on developing cooperation in various fields. The transportation sector is crucial. It is rather special. We are convinced that joint infrastructure and logistical projects will become a new driver for building up the entire range of cooperation. I want to note the western route – the North-South International Transportation Corridor. By 2030, we expect to increase its transportation volumes to 15 million tons annually."
"In Baku, as we noted yesterday, there are branches of our universities – Moscow State University and the First Moscow State Medical University named after Sechenov. They are operating successfully. More than 11,000 students from Azerbaijan are also studying in Russia. And such development of direct contacts between our people, their acquaintance with rich history, culture and traditions will strengthen our relations," he added.
Afterward, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev held a one-on-one meeting with Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Mikhail Mishustin at the tea table.
