A strategic partnership between Russia and Azerbaijan is a key factor of security in the region and the Caspian Sea, said Chairperson of the Federation Council of Russia Valentina Matvienko speaking at the Baku State University on Monday. 
Azerbaijan and Russia are actively cooperating in the bilateral format and within international organizations, Matvienko said. "Non-permanent membership of Azerbaijan in the UN Security Council will strengthen relations between our countries in solving various global and regional problems. The election of Azerbaijan to the UN Security Council testifies to the high authority of this country in the world," the Russian official underlined.
According to Matvienko, development of bilateral ties between Azerbaijan and Russia covers almost all areas. "And the basic direction is specified by the leaders of our countries," she added.
Speaking about Russia-Azerbaijan economic relations, Matvienko emphasized high dynamics in this area. "It is expected that this year the trade turnover between our countries will exceed 3 billion US dollars. A huge role is played by energy area and joint investment projects. More than 500 Russian companies are operating in Azerbaijan," said Matvienko. The Russian official added that Russia's regions including the biggest economic partner of Azerbaijan Dagestan, are interested in cooperation with Azerbaijan, Matvienko said.

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