The V Azerbaijani-Russian Interregional Forum on "Interregional cooperation: new opportunities for development" started in Gabala.

First forum members laid a wreath and flowers at the monument of the national leader Heydar Aliyev, erected at the park that bears his name. Then in the "Heydar Aliyev Congress Center" forum participants became better acquainted with the exhibition devoted to the economic indicators and the interaction between Azerbaijan and Russia.
Speaking at the event, Minister of Economy and Industry of Azerbaijan, Shahin Mustafayev, saying that the forum is an example of successful cooperation between the two countries, based on the principles of good-neighbourliness and friendship, noted that trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Russia is 2 billion 600 million dollars .
Minister, noting actively developing humanitarian cooperation between two our countries, stressed the role of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation in the development of humanitarian ties between our two countries, as well as the activities of the Azerbaijani Youth Organization of Russia to strengthen ties between the youth of two countries.
Then, Minister of Regional Development of Russia, Igor Slyunyaev, in his speech said that the holding of the forum in Azerbaijan is indicative of its being based on a good tradition. Touching upon the successful cooperation in the energy, banking, transport, industry and others, the minister noted that in Russia there are 13 cultural centers of Azerbaijan.
During the plenary meeting, the head of the Department of Public and Political Issues of the Administration of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ali Hasanov, read the congratulatory message of President Ilham Aliyev to the forum participants.
Then Head of the Russian President's Department for Interregional and Cultural Relations with Foreign Countries, Vladimir Chernov, read out Russian President Vladimir Putin's message to the forum participants.
The forum was attended by about 500 representatives of the presidential administrations, ministries, parliamentarians, heads of local executive authorities, heads of regions of the Russian Federation, as well as entrepreneurs, employees of non-governmental organizations.
Head of District Executive Power, Sabuhi Abdullayev, in his speech welcomed the guests, gave them detailed information about the city's history, its culture, socio-economic development and new infrastructures.
During the two-day forum countries will discuss cooperation in energy, transport, and will also consider the possibility of expanding cooperation in the sphere of tourism, investment, agricultural area; signing of joint documents is expected.
The guests also visited livestock complex of Gabala and "Beltman" piano factory in Gabala, and got familiar with the production process.
V Azerbaijani-Russian Interregional Forum on "Interregional cooperation: new opportunities for development" goes on.