The Exclusive interview with the official representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia Maria Zakharova

– Maria Vladimirovna – 27 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Azerbaijan. Over the years we have observed different periods in relations between the two countries. How would you characterize the current state of Russian-Azerbaijani relations?

“- It’s right. In April, we traditionally celebrate the anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Azerbaijan. The protocol on the establishment of diplomatic relations was signed on April 4, 1992. This is not a long term if we take the historical past of 27 years. But our countries have been able to work together to strengthen the foundations of cooperation and expand bilateral relations with mutually beneficial practical content over the years. Today, Russia and Azerbaijan are strategic partners in the political, economic, trade, humanitarian and other fields. Relations between Moscow and Baku are based on the principles of sovereign equality, non-interference in each other’s internal affairs, respect for real mutual interests, and benevolent and good neighborly traditions. ”

“Russia and Azerbaijan also closely cooperate in the cultural, humanitarian and educational spheres. About 11,000 Azerbaijani students study in Russia. About 1000 of them receive education at the expense of the state budget. Every year more than 200 citizens of Azerbaijan receive a scholarship.

The branch of Moscow State University has been successfully operating in Baku for more than 10 years. Since 2015, the First Moscow State Medical University named after Sechenov has been working in Azerbaijan. Negotiations are underway to open branches of the Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO) and the Moscow State University of Humanities and Economics. This year, the Days of Russian Culture will be held in Azerbaijan. ”