History of the relations between Azerbaijan and Russia has deep roots. Not only the borders, but also the historical, political, cultural and social ties connect these two nations to each other.
Relations between these two countries are based not only on the border neighbourhood, but also on the friendship and cooperation. Even during the presidency of great leader Heydar Aliyev, a new stage in development of relations between Azerbaijan and Russia began. Mutual visits of the presidents of the two countries took place, and agreements and contracts were signed on many important issues.
During the presidency of Ilham Aliyev, who is the successful successor of Heydar Aliyev’s policy, these relations have entered a new stage in their development. Azerbaijani and Russian Presidents have frequently paid mutual political and working visits, and new agreements and contracts were signed.
According to official data, at the end of 2017 alone, a commodity turnover between Russia and Azerbaijan increased by 35% and reached to $2,5 billion. In recent years, Russia’s direct capital investment to Azerbaijan amounted to $1,5 billion. About 700 joint companies function in Azerbaijani market, and one third out of these companies function thanks to 100% Russian capital. Recently, the relations are going to enhance along the lines of enterprise subjects, including small and medium sized enterprises. Azerbaijan-Russia Business Council supported 42 joint projects totally amounting to $450 million.
Numerous energy companies of Russia successfully function in Azerbaijan. “Gazprom”, “Transneft” and “Lukoil” are examples in this regard. At the same time, Russia’s “R-Farm” company invested $74 million in the construction of pharmaceutical company in Azerbaijan, which is due to open in 2019. “Gazprombank” takes part in the development of Sumgait Chemical Industrial Park. Volume of the invested capital amounts to about $750 million. Establishment of International North-South Transport Corridor, which will join the Western European markets with Asian producers, can be considered as one of the most perspective projects. This corridor will allow to considerably speed up the freight transportation from the Southern Asia and Near East to Europe through Iran. Total length of this arterial road exceeds 7 thousand kilometres. It includes railway, water and road transports. Considerable part of the North-South Corridor will pass through the territories of Russia and Azerbaijan, and the work on separate parts of this route is in progress. Furthermore, these countries intend to complete the construction of the bridge on Samur River in 2019 and the work carried out within this project is going to finalize.
Russian President Mr. Vladimir Putin paid a visit to Azerbaijan on September 27. After watching the World Judo Championship held in Baku, Russian President attended and took the floor at the official opening ceremony of 9th Azerbaijan-Russia Interregional Forum in Baku.
In his speech, the President of Azerbaijan Mr. Ilham Aliyev highlighted this fourth visit of Mr. Vladimir Putin to Azerbaijan in the last five years and stated that he has also regularly paid visits to Russia, which demonstrates the partnership, friendly and good-neighbourly relations between these two countries. The Forum also mentioned the impressive dynamic growth in the areas of car production, tourism, trade relations, etc.
Talking about the relations between Russia and Azerbaijan, Russian President once again noted that the balance of interests between these two states are always looked for and found.
Dayanat Musayev
Vice-President of ACSDA