Deputy premier: We intend to develop ties between Azerbaijan's, Russia's districts

One of the main tasks facing Azerbaijan and Russia is the development of ties between the two countries’ districts, Azerbaijani Deputy Prime Minister Shahin Mustafayev said.

He made the remarks during his speech at the 14th International Economic Forum "Russia - Islamic World: Kazan Forum", Report informs.

Within the framework of the forum, Mustafayev spoke at the "Economic security. Cooperation between Russia and the countries of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)” plenary session.

The deputy prime minister noted that relations with the Islamic world occupy a special place in Azerbaijan's foreign policy and that the country is the first post-Soviet country that became a member of the OIC after the restoration of independence.

"Over the past 30 years, economic and political relations with the countries of the organisation have continued to develop in an upward direction. Last year, Azerbaijan's trade turnover with the countries of the OIC increased by 42 per cent and reached $9.3 billion. The share of the organization's countries in Azerbaijan's foreign trade turnover is 18 per cent. The positive dynamics in economic relations have also remained in the past period of this year," Mustafayev noted.

Deputy PM also touched upon the important and decisive role of Azerbaijan in international transport routes. He noted that the implementation of the Zangazur corridor will create great opportunities for transport routes of "North-South", "East-West" and regional countries.

It was noted that Azerbaijan is ready for the implementation of large-scale projects with developed transport and transit infrastructure. He also emphasized the importance of the Baku International Sea Port.

XIV International Economic Forum "Russia - Islamic World: KazanForum" is the main platform for building economic cooperation between the Russian Federation and the countries of the Islamic world. The purpose of the Forum is to strengthen trade, economic, scientific, technical, social and cultural ties between Russia and the countries of the OIC.

The KazanForum 2023 program covers the issues of investments and joint work in the financial sector, logistical changes in the world, development of Halal industry in Russia, exchange of advanced technologies and innovations, industry and business support, cooperation in education, sports and medicine, promotion of youth projects and international women cooperation.