 | New stage in russo-azeri relations |
Russian president starts landmark visit By Saba Agayeva Azernews Staff Writer
Russian President's airplane touched down in the Bina international airport early morning on Tuesday.
After arrival, President Putin was taken to the Azerbaijan President's residency, where the two presidents met face-to-fate for a 3-hour rendezvous. Afterwards, the meeting continued at the level of delegations. According to the deputy chief-of-staff of the Russian President Sergei Prikhodko, during the talks the parties spoke of the oil transportation, struggle against international terrorism, collaboration between the law-enforcement bodies, the Upper Garabagh conflict, situation in the Caucasus, and prospects of economic and cultural relations. He said the parties had achieved mutual understanding on all issued discussed.
The meetings were followed by the signing ceremony of bilateral documents: the agreement on cooperation in the area of the government communication and security of information, mutual status of media correspondents of both countries, cooperation in the area of prevention and elimination of consequences of emergencies, cooperation and mutual assistance in the observance of tax legislation, international automobile communication, rehabilitation, and exploration and development of the Hovsan-Zykh block of fields.
The two presidents signed a joint statement on principles of cooperation in the Caspian Sea and the Baku Declaration.
Afterwards, the presidents conducted a joint news conference, in the beginning of which both presidents made statements for press.
President Aliyev said this was the first official visit by Russian President to Azerbaijan after the latter gained independence and voiced his appreciation of Vladimir Putin for accepting the invitation. Mr. Aliyev described the negotiations held as fruitful.
"We have exchanged views on many issues of state importance and pertaining to all spheres of life", he said. H. Aliyev added that Azerbaijan and Russia had signed 70 documents until now and the list was supplemented with 8 others, targeting the strengthening of bilateral relations. He said the Baku Declaration signed today carried tremendous importance. "This document will promote further development of friendship, cooperation and mutual security between Russia and Azerbaijan. We are committed to elevating strategic partnership between the two countries to a higher level", H. Aliyev said.
With regard to the joint statement on principles of cooperation in the Caspian Sea, he stated with some regret that it had been impossible to come to an agreement on the status of the Caspian for 8 years and voiced a hope that this statement would boost settlement of that issue as well.
President Putin thanked his Azeri counterpart for the cordial welcome and spoke highly of the negotiations held. He said the parties had reviewed issues both of bilateral and regional importance. He highlighted the burgeoning Azeri-Russian economic relations over the past year, but regarded them as insufficient.
"There are immense untapped opportunities", Russian President said. He then thanked H. Aliyev for the importance being attached to the Russian language in Azerbaijan. V. Putin added that he had spoken with H. Aliyev about prospects of the Garabagh conflict settlement. Voicing the official position of Russia, Mr. Putin said it would be possible to succeed in resolving the problem only with the consent of the two countries, while Russia will do its utmost on its end.
"I am sure that the effort of the Azerbaijan and Armenian Presidents give hope for a soonest resolution of the conflict", Mr. Putin said.
Then, the presidents answered questions of journalists.
Answering a question concerning Russian steps toward resolution of the Garabagh conflict, Mr. Putin said his country would keep doing its best within the OSCE Minsk Group and hold talks with the parties to the conflict in a move to achieve a compromise.
Asked about cooperation prospects within the Caucasus group of four, H. Aliyev said it was complicated as Azerbaijan and Armenia are in the state of war with each other and cannot attend joint activities of the group. V. Putin indicated that to achieve stability in the Caucasus, heads of regional countries must get together frequently and try to resolve outstanding problems.
Regarding Russia's illegal weaponry supplies to Armenia and stationing of Russian troops being withdrawn from Georgia in Armenia and Garabagh, Mr. Putin said the supplies were connected with the distribution of the former USSR military property, while relocation of Russian troops from Georgia to Armenia is a part of the renewed Conventional Forces in Europe agreement, whereby Russia has the right to move its military property from one unit to another. This weaponry, he said, is in Russia's hands. "Russian military presence in the Caucasus is necessary and this has nothing to do with our relations with Armenia. This is an induced step, which is explained by Georgia's refusal to host Russian military bases in its soil. This doesn't please us too much, but we have had to do this", V. Putin said.
Concerning the Caspian legal status issue, Mr. Putin said the positions of Azerbaijan and Russia overlap in terms of navigation, fishing and division of the seabed. He also voiced a hope that littoral countries will eventually arrive at a common decision on the issue in their best interests.
The visit is underway. On Wednesday afternoon he is expected to leave back home.
Send it to friend
© 1998-2003 Azernews. All Rights Reserved.
Issue No.2(182), 2001
New stage in russo-azeri relationsGov’t workers’ wages raisedOil fund curtain raisedNews digestNationParliament electionOpposition newsNews in briefBusinessOil & gas newsMiscellaneousArts & culture
Contact: Fazil F. Abbasov
Address: 370002, Baku, 85 S. Asgarova, 3-rd floor
Tel: (99412) 949 373, 946 542, 956 905
Fax: (99412) 958 537, 989 240
Email: azernews@azeurotel.com
