Dmitri Medvedev and Ilham Aliyev to discuss situation in the Caucasus and Russian-Azerbaijani economic cooperation

"The heads of states will discuss the regional situation in the light of the recent events in the Caucasus, exchange views on a number of urgent issues of the Russian-Azerbaijani agenda", said a source in the Kremlin Monday, according to Interfax-Azerbaijan.

Reports say the Presidents of the two countries will also discuss prospects of expanding bilateral trade and economic cooperation, as the cooperation between Russia and Azerbaijan is expanding.

"This year the commodity turnover may top the limit of $2 bln of mutual trade.

In January-June of 2008 the commodity turnover rose 56.5% as compared to the same period of 2007 up to $1,255,800,000, export rose almost 60% up to $1,041,500,000 and import grew by 50.6% up to $214,400,000.

The interest of Russian enterprises in Azerbaijani market is also growing", said the source.

"Azerbaijan accounts for 395 enterprises and organizations with participation of the Russian capital, of them 176 are joint, 95 are fully Russian and 124 are representations and affiliates of Russian companies.

According to the source, the main factor of mutual understanding, trust and strengthening of the bilateral relations remains the Russian-Azerbaijani humanitarian cooperation. It is carried out on the basis of the related program for 2007-2009, adopted in December of 2006 in the following directions: culture, information, education, science, youth policy and sport, health, observation of human rights.

As is reported it is "promoted by the continuous influence of Russia's cultural and scientific achievements on the firm intellectual potential, formed in Azerbaijan on the Russian-language basis.

Currently, 390 Azerbaijani citizens study at Russian high schools by the state line. Over 15,000 students study in Russian at Azerbaijani high schools. Azerbaijan accounts for 50 Russian language newspapers and magazines and seven news agencies. The agreement on the opening of the affiliate of the Moscow State University of Lomonosov in Baku this year is of great importance.

The Russian center of science and culture in Baku, which is planned to open later this year will play a significant role in getting ties closer between the two peoples", said the source in the Kremlin.