ISTANBUL 

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev discussed bilateral relations and cooperation with Sergey Malikov, leader of Russia’s republic of Dagestan, in a meeting in Azerbaijan’s capital Baku.

According to a statement by the Azerbaijani presidency, Aliyev pointed out the historical relations between the two peoples for centuries, saying they have improved in the modern era.

“Aliyev expressed confidence that Sergey Malikov’s visit to our country will contribute to the expansion of cooperation between Azerbaijan and Dagestan in specific areas,” read the statement.

The Azerbaijani president also said talks with some regions of Russia, including Dagestan, have contributed to the development of bilateral relations between Azerbaijan and Russia, emphasizing the importance of mutual visits and effective meetings in this regard.

“Stating that our peoples have fraternal ties, Sergey Malikov noted with satisfaction that along with representatives of other nations, Azerbaijanis also live as a single family in Dagestan. He expressed confidence that the meetings to be held during his visit to our country will contribute to further expansion of cooperation,” the statement further said.

It added that Aliyev presented the country’s “Shohrat Order” (Order of Glory) to Magomed Gurbanov, adviser to the head of the Republic of Dagestan, for “his effective activities in the development of friendly relations between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Russian Federation, including the peoples of Azerbaijan and Dagestan.”