Events

Baku hosts a meeting of Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation Commission between Russia and Azerbaijan

The meeting was co-chaired by Deputy Speaker of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation Galina Karelova and First Deputy Speaker of the Milli Majlis of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ali Huseynli.


The 18th meeting of the Inter-Parliamentary Commission on Cooperation Between the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation and the Milli Majlis of the Republic of Azerbaijan took place in Baku, co-chaired by Deputy Speaker of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation Galina Karelova and First Deputy Speaker of the Milli Majlis of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ali Huseynli.

Taking part in the meeting were Anatoly Artamonov, Chair of the Federation Council Committee on Budget and Financial Markets, Inna Svyatenko, Chair of the Federation Council Committee on Social Policy, Iliyas Umakhanov, First Deputy Chair of the Federation Council Committee on Science, Education and Culture, Anatoly Shirokov, Deputy Chair of the Federation Council Committee on Federal Structure, Regional Policy, Local Government and Northern Affairs, Alexander Bashkin, member of the Federation Council Committee on Constitutional Legislation and State Building, parliament members from Russia and Azerbaijan, and representatives of both countries’ federal bodies.

The legislators discussed current issues on the bilateral agenda, including the further development and deepening of inter-parliamentary cooperation between the Milli Majlis of Azerbaijan and the Russian Federal Assembly, the current situation with trade and economic cooperation between the two countries, its prospects and legislative support for its expansion, the growth potential of region-to region cooperation, youth policy and other matters.

The Deputy Speaker of the Federation Council conveyed greetings to the participants from Federation Council Speaker Valentina Matvienko.

According to Galina Karelova, the parliaments of both countries need to show steely determination in the face of the new challenges and increasing pressure, and develop new approaches and formats of work based on a common understanding of basic values and objectives.

Speaking about the Declaration on Allied Cooperation signed at the highest level, the senator noted that it is parliamentarians’ responsibility to jointly ensure the implementation of the document’s strategic provisions.

The Deputy Speaker of the Federation Council pointed out the high level and solid potential of bilateral trade and economic cooperation. “Since the beginning of this year, trade between our states has risen by another 20 percent. There are more than 900 joint ventures operating in Azerbaijan, including about 300 with capital solely provided by Russia.”

According to Galina Karelova, the Federation Council places great emphasis on maintaining the usual friendship and mutual understanding with the Republic of Azerbaijan, promoting growth in bilateral trade and economic cooperation.

“Particular attention is paid to region-to-region cooperation, with over 70 Russian regions involved in respective projects; 18 of them have signed agreements with Azerbaijan on trade, economic, scientific, technical and cultural cooperation. We are interested in, and determined to continue working in this area,” Galina Karelova said.

The Deputy Speaker of the Federation Council also noted the fast advancement of bilateral humanitarian cooperation. “Russia values the respectful attitude to the Russian language and culture on the part of the people in Azerbaijan. We are ready to provide our Azerbaijani friends with the necessary assistance in continuing this effort.”

Inna Svyatenko spoke about the implementation of youth policy in Russia. “In recent years, a number of amendments have been made to laws aimed at supporting young people, creating the right conditions for their self-realisation and their personal and creative growth. Young people in Russia are given opportunities for unhindered development and creative activity. They are increasingly involved in the socioeconomic processes taking place in the country, including political and civic engagement,” the head of the Federation Council Committee added.

The senator also highlighted certain aspects of cooperation between youth organisations in Azerbaijan and Russia adding that the two countries’ historical heritage has been one of central themes at most youth events in Russia and Azerbaijan of late. “In the modern world, young people are involved in all social processes; they are the most flexible and receptive to innovations, and at the same time, they are having an increasingly noticeable impact on political and economic processes,” Inna Svyatenko explained.

The senator stressed that the two countries’ volunteer organisations were cooperating intensively, and that Russia and Azerbaijan are maintaining close ties in the field of culture and education on an ongoing basis.

The Action Plan of the Inter-Parliamentary Commission on Cooperation between the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation and the Milli Majlis of Azerbaijan for 2023 was signed as part of the meeting.

The participants announced that the next meeting of the Commission, according to the established practice, should be held in 2023 in the Russian Federation.