Russia's culture minister: Azerbaijan, Russia enjoy close ties

Avdeev, who is in Baku to attend first Azerbaijan-Russia forum on humanitarian cooperation, told journalists: “Our countries have close political and economic ties, and we also need to boost cooperation between our civil society organizations.”

The Russian minister also praised the cultural relations between the two countries.

“Azerbaijan and Russia enjoy good cultural relations. Throughout history Azerbaijanis have greatly contributed to developing culture and art in Russia.”

Avdeev also thanked the Azeri government for preserving Russian language and culture in the country.

“There are Azerbaijanis who speak Russian even better than Russians.”
On the Baku forum, which kicked off today, the Russian minister expressed hope it would be fruitful.

“The forum will deal with such important issues as how to preserve cultural values and promote them among younger generations.”

“The most remarkable for us is that participants of the forum will be received by President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev,” Avdeev said.

/AzerTac/