Russian Federation Council enjoy partnershib with Azerbaijan

Valentino Matviyenko told journalists that cooperation was developing well, as she visited the Avenue of Honour in Baku on Monday.

"We are pleased that the cooperation between Russia and Azerbaijan is developing in various fields and sectors. We cooperate with the parliament of Azerbaijan not only bilaterally but also in the CIS Interparliamentary Assembly, where the parliament of Azerbaijan plays an important role. We cooperate in various international parliamentary organizations, we compare our positions, and I must say that with the growth of democratic reforms in our countries, the role of parliament is also growing."

Matviyenko was positive about talks to extend Russia's lease of the Gabala radar station in Azerbaijan.

"I am sure that agreements will be reached on the Gabala radar station and with Azerbaijan's involvement too," Matviyenko said after talks with Milli Majlis Chairman Ogtay Asadov.

"Several rounds of negotiations have already been held between the defence and foreign ministries of both countries. A normal talks process is under way. Many disagreements have been overcome and just a few issues are left which need work and a mutually acceptable solution. So I think agreements will be reached."

On international affairs, Matviyenko welcomed Azerbaijan's UN role.

"We are glad about Azerbaijan’s non-permanent membership of the UN Security Council in 2012-13. This opens new opportunities for our cooperation in the international field.

"On most issues, we have either similar or close positions and Azerbaijan’s participation in the UN Security Council will promote our closer cooperation in reviewing and tackling most international issues. Azerbaijan’s non-permanent membership of the UN Security Council proves its influence and recognition in the world."

Russia will continue to be active in mediating a resolution to the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict over Karabakh, Matviyenko told the briefing after her talks with Ogtay Asadov.

"Russia is making every effort to find a solution to this problem," she said.

Matviyenko described as "very productive" the last meeting of the Armenian and Azerbaijani presidents, mediated by Russian President Dmitriy Medvedev in Sochi on 23 January. "A trilateral agreement was signed which I think will speed up the search for a resolution format."

Describing the conflict as "very complex", she said: "We take as a basis the principles of international law, resolutions of the UN Security Council on this issue, on the integrity of statehood and the non-use of force."

"Parliamentary efforts constitute a different direction. This is parliamentary diplomacy. I think that we need to concentrate on the organization of contacts, trilateral meetings of our intelligentsia and cultural figures. Our job is to create an atmosphere of trust. It will be difficult to find a resolution to the problem without an atmosphere of trust, without reinforcing it. I think the parliaments can have a role in this. We should promote contacts between people from the worlds of culture, science, between young people, create an atmosphere of trust within which a resolution will be found."

Answering a question, she said that the potential of the OSCE Minsk Group, the international body mediating a solution to the conflict, was not exhausted.

"It allows the work to be continued. Russia, as a mediator in finding mutually acceptable solutions, has taken and will continue to take an active position. Good will and a search for peaceful solutions are needed on both sides. I think that if we all take this as the basic principle a resolution will be found, because this issue is acute not only for both countries, but for the region as a whole."

On the role of cooperation in education and culture, she told: "The International Humanitarian Forum, which was first held last year under the patronage of our presidents, will become a regular event. We will hold such forums every year as they provide a very good opportunity to deepen our relations and cooperation."

"Cooperation in education is acquiring new developments and new momentum. Today, Azerbaijan and Russia face the challenge of leading the economy through innovative development and knowledge-based technology and in this, of course, our universities play a very important role.

With just over six weeks to go to Eurovision, the Federation Council chairwoman commented: "The Eurovision Song Contest in Baku is a brilliant event. We are also excited about it. I would like to note that Russia gave 12 points to your country to hold this marvellous contest in Azerbaijan. I am sure that this event will be splendid and beautiful and millions of Europeans and spectators from around the world will have the opportunity to see modern Azerbaijan."