Russian PM says hopes North-South corridor transit grows to annual 15 mln tonnes by 2030

BAKU. Nov 18 (Interfax) - Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin is expecting transport and logistic projects between Russia and Azerbaijan to serve as a driver of bilateral cooperation.

"Transportation is a very important sector, and we are sure that joint infrastructure and logistic projects will serve as a new driver for bolstering every aspect of cooperation," Mishustin said at a meeting with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev on Friday. He highlighted the significance of the North-South international transport corridor. "We are hoping that the volume of transportation through it will reach 15 million tonnes per year by 2030," Mishustin said.

"Our governments are doing very intensive work to implement the decisions made by the two presidents," Mishustin said. According to him, the talks held with Azerbaijani Prime Minister Ali Asadov on Thursday focused on interaction in energy, industries, transport, cultural and humanitarian affairs, and a number of cooperation agreements were signed at the end.

"Traditionally, special significance is attributed to cultural and humanitarian relations," Mishustin said. Branches of Russian higher educational establishments are successfully operating in Baku, and over 11,000 students from Azerbaijan are studying in Russia. "Such humanitarian contacts help get acquainted with the rich traditions and culture of our countries," he said.

"Next year, we will celebrate the 100th birth anniversary of the outstanding Soviet and Azerbaijani statesman, your father Heydar Aliyev," Mishustin told the Azerbaijani president. He also congratulated Aliyev on the national holiday, National Revival Day, celebrated on November 17, conveyed "best, heartfelt greetings" from Russian President Vladimir Putin, and thanked him for the cordial welcome received by the Russian delegation in Baku.