Russian language enjoys great respect in Azerbaijan: Presidential Administration chief

“Opening of the House of Russian Books is a very important event for Azerbaijan,” Chief of Azerbaijani Presidential Administration Ramiz Mehdiyev said at the opening ceremony of the House of Russian Books which was also attended by Russian Presidential Administration Chief Sergei Narishkin.

He said this event will enhance the relations between the two states even more.

"The Russian language is highly respected in Azerbaijan. Schools which teach children in Russian, TV programs in Russian, Azerbaijan Slavic University and branch of Moscow State University testify to it,” he said.

Mehdiyev said the Russian community in Azerbaijan is the most populous and is active in all spheres of activity.

Russian Presidential Administration Chief Sergei Narishkin said relations between Russia and Azerbaijan in political and economic sphere have really reached the level of strategic partnership.

“This helps to develop humanitarian sphere, traditional and very rich direction of our cooperation. I especially want to note the support of Azerbaijan authorities to Russian language. About 140,000 young people receive education in schools, universities of Azerbaijan in Russian. The Moscow State University which has four departments opened in Azerbaijan recently,” Narishkin said.

“Russian-language press and the Russian-language programs occupy an important place in the media. There are 50 newspapers and 7 news agencies that publish in Russian in Azerbaijan,” Narishkin added.

Opening of the House of the Russian Book in Azerbaijan became possible thanks to joint efforts by civil society, businessmen and state support, Narishkin said.

/Novosti Azerbaijan/