Putin intends to discuss regional stability, Russian-Azerbaijani relations in talks with Aliyev

MOSCOW. April 22 (Interfax) - Russian President Vladimir Putin said he would discuss security, bilateral relations and some other issues with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev.

"We will talk about the situation in terms of ensuring security in the region. There are many issues here, they are very sensitive. We are familiar in detail with each of them," Putin said during his meeting with Aliyev.

There will also be the opportunity to discuss bilateral relations, "which are at a high level and are developing," he said.

"Our trade is increasing. It has already reached $4 billion. Russian investment in the Azerbaijani economy is six billion in the dollar equivalent. An intergovernmental commission is working actively. There are many interesting areas of cooperation in the real economy, in cooperation, in infrastructure," Putin said.

The meeting with Aliyev is being held on the eve of the 50th anniversary since launching the construction of the Baikal-Amur Mainline (BAM), Putin said.

"Your father played a very significant role, he headed a governmental commission, he visited the construction site many times. Essentially, he was one of the organizers of this grand project, which was important for the entire Soviet Union. We know and remember that, we are very thankful and we treasure the memory of that," Putin said.

"We are now developing the so-called Eastern Polygon, BAM, the Trans-Siberian Railway, and everything associated with it. All these things are very significant to us today as well. I am certain that all efforts and work, the years of work that your father put into implementing this huge project, continue to play a significant role not only for Russia, but also for the CIS," Putin said.