President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has received Chairman of the Committee on International Affairs of the State Duma of the Russian Federation Leonid Slutsky.

The head of state congratulated Leonid Slutsky on his election as MP of the State Duma of the Russian Federation and Chairman of the Committee on International Affairs. The head of state described Leonid Slutsky`s appointment to one of the most important committees of the State Duma as a sign of great confidence in him. Noting that Leonid Slutsky visited Azerbaijan several times as chairman of the Russian State Duma Committee on CIS Affairs, Eurasian Integration and Relations with Compatriots, President Ilham Aliyev said that in this post he contributed to the development of interparliamentary cooperation in the CIS area. The head of state expressed confidence that Leonid Slutsky will cope with his duties in the current position and will contribute to the strengthening of strategic partnership relations between Azerbaijan and Russia. President Ilham Aliyev wished Leonid Slutsky success in his future activities.

Expressing gratitude to the head of state for his kind words and congratulations, Leonid Slutsky said: “It is of great importance to me to pay my first foreign visit to Azerbaijan as the Chairman of the Committee on International Affairs of the State Duma. Azerbaijan has been and will always be an important strategic partner of the Russian Federation in all areas. This strategic partnership is strengthening year by year. Under your wise leadership, your country has become one of the most developed economies in the CIS area in recent years.”

Leonid Slutsky noted that his country hails Azerbaijan`s foreign political course which is aimed at developing strategic, constructive and effective partnership relations with Russia. No external and internal opponent can spoil the bilateral ties, which are strengthening year by year, he added.

The sides expressed confidence that bilateral relations, including interparliamentary cooperation between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Russian Federation will continue to develop.

AZERTAC