Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 13 November (BelTA) – The further expansion of bilateral cooperation between Belarus and Azerbaijan will help invigorate integration processes in the CIS, Viktor Guminsky, CIS First Deputy Executive Secretary, First Deputy Chairman of the CIS Executive Committee, said at the conference timed to the 25^th anniversary of Belarus-Azerbaijan diplomatic relations on 13 November, BelTA has learned.

“The bilateral relations are underpinned by the traditions of friendship of the two nations, common interests, and determination to boost mutually beneficial cooperation in various areas. The 25 years of productive bilateral relations set an example of constructive partnership,” Viktor Guminsky said.

In his words, the agenda of the conference does not only go beyond the bilateral relations and their prospects, but also directly chimes in with the history of the entire CIS. “On the one hand, the CIS would not exist without independent states. On the other hand, the CIS has played and keeps playing an important role in promoting comprehensive interstate cooperation,” Viktor Guminsky said.

He emphasized the importance of Azerbaijan’s active participation in the work of the CIS Council of Heads of State, the CIS Council of Heads of Government, the CIS Ministerial Council and the CIS Economic Council. “With its focus on economy and security, Azerbaijan makes a meaningful contribution to implementing a great number of important humanitarian projects in the CIS. Indeed, the cities of Gabala and Ganja were awarded the status of the CIS Capitals of Culture as part of the CIS Capitals of Culture interstate program. CIS representatives take part in a number of forums held in Azerbaijan, like the World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue, the Uzeyir Hajibeyov International Music Festival, the Bulbul International Contest of Vocalists and the Baku International Theatre Conference.

Azerbaijan advocates comprehensive cooperation in the CIS in the multilateral and bilateral formats.