On behalf of Azerbaijan`s Presidential Administration, a reception was arranged in Yacht Club in honor of participants of the 3rd Russian-Azerbaijani interregional forum. 
Welcoming the guests, head of the Administration, academician Ramiz Mehdiyev said a regular Russian-Azerbaijani interregional forum was held in a business and constructive atmosphere. The substantial reports were heard at the plenary meetings and roundtable discussions with interesting ideas and opinions expressed.
On effectiveness of the forum in discussions of important issues of bilateral cooperation, Mehdiyev underlined this event demonstrated common interests and views on numerous problems. "Relations between our states have long-standing historical roots," head of the Administration noted.
Mehdiyev said: "Over the centuries, Azerbaijani-Russian relations were peaceful and good-neighborly, and about 200 years we were a part of the single state. During the establishment of independent Azerbaijan we could preserve and multiply all values, which united us. Today, Azerbaijani-Russian relations are built on the principles of sovereign equality, mutual respect and mutually beneficial cooperation."
He said direct relations between Azerbaijan and the regions of Russia become a normal element of today`s life. Mehdiyev said these relations promote growth of economics and well-being of peoples of the two states. "These relations are built on mutual trust and respect. The relations between our Presidents Vladimir Putin and Ilham Aliyev are also characterized by sincerity and mutual respect."
Academician Mehdiyev again stressed importance of the forum and thanked the guests for active participation in the event.
Head of the department of the President of Russian Federation for interregional and cultural relations with foreign countries Vladimir Chernov said: "I fully share the appraisal given to results of the today`s forum. It is difficult to assess the results of the work more fully and exactly."
Chernov expressed his gratitude to Azerbaijan `s Presidental Administration for support of the forum. He said: "It is our common work, our common event. Sharing your point of view, I thank our Presidents Ilham Aliyev and Vladimir Putin for blessing our forum."
The forum was followed by a concert program.

AzerTAc