Russia interested in broader transport cooperation with Azerbaijan - deputy PM

BAKU. April 16 (Interfax) -Russia is interested in transport and logistics cooperation with Azerbaijan, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk said.

"Transport cooperation is a key area of bilateral relations. Strengthening transport connectivity in Eurasia, especially cooperation in the North-South international transport corridor, remains a priority. New added value chains are forming along this route at present. The development of the western branch of the corridor [across Azerbaijan] and the implementation of earlier agreements are a focal point," Overchuk said at a meeting of the Russian-Azerbaijani Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation in Zangilan [in the Eastern Zangezur region of Azerbaijan] on Thursday.

Russian businesses would like to be part of restorations in the freed Azerbaijani territories of Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur, the Azerbaijani media quoted Overchuk.

He also invited Azerbaijan to join the International Organization for the Russian Language as a way to bolster bilateral humanitarian cooperation.

Cruise ships have good prospects in the Caspian Sea, Overchuk said.