Azerbaijani parliament ratifies cooperation agreements with Russia, Uzbekistan

The Azerbaijani parliament has ratified cooperation agreements with Russia and Uzbekistan during a plenary session on October 29.

The Azerbaijani parliament approved the "Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Government of the Russian Federation on Cooperation in the Field of Quarantine and Plant Protection", Caliber.Az reports via local media.

Moreover, the "Treaty on Allied Relations between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Uzbekistan" was also approved.

Russia ranks as Azerbaijan's third-largest trading partner and is the top partner in terms of non-oil exports. Trade turnover increased by 17.5 per cent in 2023, reaching a record nearly $4.4 billion. 

The trade in the first half of the year has shown dynamic growth. Russian businesses are significantly represented across various sectors of the Azerbaijani economy, and the Azerbaijani government is committed to creating an enabling environment for Russian investors. Azerbaijani companies are also actively investing in the Russian economy. 

Successful projects have been implemented in Russian regions, including the construction of health and tourism centres, hotel complexes, and factories for producing canned fruits and vegetables, as well as tea.  Azerbaijan ranks among the top ten suppliers of agricultural products to Russia. In the tourism sector, Russia continues to be the leading source of visitors to Azerbaijan.

Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan are planning to establish a joint venture aimed at enhancing cargo transportation. This joint venture will specifically focus on improving transportation along the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR), commonly referred to as the Middle Corridor. 

A number of specific measures are being explored to expand cooperation in transportation and transit between Baku and Tashkent. The two countries are discussing establishing ferry production, developing warehouse infrastructure, and transitioning to e-document exchange.

By Naila Huseynova