“Azerbaijan’s relations with neighboring countries are based on the principles of good neighborliness, and it has always demonstrated its unchanging position as a reliable partner. The main goal of the political activity of President Ilham Aliyev is to ensure peace and security and stability in the region. Of course, this is highly valued by the countries of the region and they attach special importance to cooperation with Azerbaijan. In this regard, I would appreciate our relations with Russia. Our cooperation in all areas is growing. I would say that these relations are manifested in all areas within the mutual interests of both countries and are based on the national interests of both countries. If we look at our economic and trade relations, we can see that this area is growing year by year. Thus, the trade turnover exceeded $ 3 billion. This, of course, is a high figure. Relations with our northern neighbor also play an important role in the rapid development of the non-oil sector in our country. The goods produced in this area are mostly exported to Russian markets.
This opinion was expressed by the chairman of the Azerbaijan Trade Union Confederation (ATUC), MP Sattar Mohbaliyev.
According to him, up to now 245 documents have been signed between the two countries that form the legal framework: “the Treaty on Friendship, Cooperation and mutual security of 1997, the Declaration on friendship and strategic partnership of 2008 and the Joint Statement of the presidents of both countries of 2018 determine the strategic nature of our relations. The Declaration on Allied Interaction between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Russian Federation, signed in Moscow on February 22 as part of President Ilham Aliyev’s official visit to Russia, raises our relations to the level of alliance. This fully meets the national interests of both countries and will further strengthen the bonds of friendship between our peoples. The declaration will play an important role in bringing the two countries closer in political, economic, defense, cultural, humanitarian, educational, social spheres, as well as cooperation in health, youth and sports. The issues of independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and inviolability of the borders of our states are emphasized in the declaration and form the basis of our relations, which are rising to the level of alliance. Special attention is paid to peace and security. Of course, this is in line with the interests of our state. The statements of the President of Azerbaijan, the Prime Minister of Armenia and the President of Russia dated November 9, 10, 2020, January 11, 2021 and November 26, 2021 are noteworthy in the declaration. It is stated that all possible support will be given to the efforts to implement the provisions of the statements. Speaking here, we can say that the Armenian side must fulfill its obligations with the statements it has signed. This is very important for the stability of the region. It should be noted that Azerbaijan’s transformation into a leading state in the region, its new configuration as a victorious state, its efforts for peace and security in the region seem to be appreciated by all countries, including Russia, and are interested in allied relations with Azerbaijan.
“In general, the declaration facilitates the transition of relations between the two countries to the stage of alliance. At the same time, it will open new opportunities for the development of economic relations, increase mutual investment, expand tourism ties, and thus further improve the welfare of our peoples. We can definitely say that the declaration led to the destruction of another myth invented by Armenia. They have long claimed that Russia is Armenia’s closest ally. Even when liberating our occupied lands in the 44-day Patriotic War, the Armenians claimed that Russia would fight on their side. However, the successful policy pursued by President Ilham Aliyev has thwarted such intentions of Armenia, “he said.