Azerbaijan is Russia's strategic partner in the South Caucasus, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman Alexander Lukashevich said at today's press briefing in Moscow.
Lukashevich said Russian FM Sergey Lavrov will pay a visit to Azerbaijan on June 17-18, adding that this is already the fourth meeting of the two countries’ foreign ministers during the current year: "Azerbaijan is our strategic partner in the South Caucasus. In 2013, the trade turnover between the two countries made $3,5bln. Compared to 2012, the trade turnover has increased by 4 percent. Russia's export made approximately $3 bln, while the import made $640mln. Over 500 Russian companies are operating in Azerbaijan".
Lukashevich also said preparations for the 16th meeting of the Russia-Azerbaijan Intergovernmental Commission on economic cooperation are underway.