The event was co-chaired by Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk and Azerbaijani Deputy Prime Minister Shakhin Mustafayev.
The parties discussed a wide range of issues related to trade and economic cooperation with a focus on industry, transport, agriculture and culture.
The Russian Deputy Prime Minster noted the progressive strengthening of legal and contractual framework of bilateral relations and the steady implementation of the Action Plan to develop key areas of Russia-Azerbaijan cooperation until 2024.
Participants in the meeting emphasised the importance of developing ties between the regions of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Azerbaijan, and underscored the role of the two countries’ business communities in the development of economic interaction.
“Prior to the meeting of the commission, an international online business mission of the companies from the North Caucasus Federal District was held in the Republic of Azerbaijan to implement infrastructure projects. In addition, a meeting of the Russia-Azerbaijan and Azerbaijan-Russia business councils was held. These business events will give a boost to promoting new projects and ideas,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.
Alexei Overchuk reminded the audience that as part of implementing the agreements adopted at the 18th meeting of the commission, an Action Plan to develop cooperation between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Azerbaijan in innovative development and digital economy was approved. In order to implement the roadmap, the parties plan to establish an expert working group, and an innovative research and technology centre in Azerbaijan. Among the promising areas of cooperation are the pharmaceutical industry, car making, agricultural machinery, shipbuilding, as well agriculture and transport.
“I hope that the coronavirus situation will continue improving. It is time to return to the previous pattern of personal contacts. We are expecting a representative delegation from the Republic of Azerbaijan at the 14th St Petersburg International Economic Forum in June 2021, the 2nd Caspian Economic Forum in Moscow in August 2021 and the 9th St Petersburg International Cultural Forum in November. Plans call for holding the 11th Interregional Forum and the Forum of Youth Initiatives that were postponed in 2020,” Overchuk said.
The Russian party confirmed its readiness to hold Azerbaijani Days of Culture in Russia that were also planned for 2021. This event will give an impetus to the development and strengthening of cultural and humanitarian cooperation.
Following the meeting, the Protocol of the Meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Azerbaijan was signed.
