BAKU, Nov 17 Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin considers that cooperation between Moscow and Baku has recently become truly strategic and allied.
Speaking on Thursday at the plenary session of the XI Russian-Azerbaijani Interregional Forum, he called for increasing cooperation in the humanitarian sphere, while maintaining a common language space.
br>»In recent years, the bonds of friendship and partnership have become even stronger. Cooperation has acquired a truly strategic and allied character,» said the head of the Russian government.
In his opinion, there is great potential for the development of humanitarian cooperation between the two states.
«I urge you to use it more actively,» Mishustin added.
In his opinion, one of the most important tasks is to preserve the common language space and adapt it to new modern conditions.
«Now there are about 340 Russian-language schools in Azerbaijan. Many young people strive to get higher education in Russian, and we are creating the necessary opportunities for this,» the Prime Minister of the Russian Federation noted.
According to him, about 11,000 Azerbaijani students study in Russia. The Prime Minister recalled that branches of the Moscow State University and the Sechenov Medical University have been successfully operating in Baku for several years, MGIMO, the Higher School of Economics and the Moscow State University for the Humanities and Economics are participating in the implementation of double degree programs together with Azerbaijani universities.
» Strong humanitarian ties create a reliable basis for expanding direct contacts between the citizens of our countries and are of great importance for strengthening good neighborliness,» Mishustin is sure.
He expects that the current forum will bring interaction to an even higher level. The head of the Russian Cabinet of Ministers assured that the government is ready to consider and take into account the proposals of the forum participants.
«Expanding the geography of regional ties and strengthening established contacts will help develop the economies of our countries, will improve the quality of life of citizens of Russia and Azerbaijan,» the prime minister is convinced -Minister of the Russian Federation.