Russian deputy speaker visits Baku
By Aynur Jafarova
The successful development of relations between Azerbaijan and Russia in various sectors and the role of interparliamentary cooperation in strengthening the bilateral relations were high on the agenda of talks held between Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Chairman of Russian Liberal-Democratic Party, member of the State Council, deputy of State Duma Vladimir Zhirinovsky on September 26.
Aliyev and Zhirinovsky discussed the current state of and prospects for the development of bilateral relations, in particular between the parliaments.
Zhirinovsky, who well remembered for critical notes to Azerbaijan,is on his first visit to Baku.
"I have the best impressions - a wonderful country, a great leader," he told the journalists in Baku. "Azerbaijan is a wonderful country and Baku is a very beautiful city."
Zhirinovsky said it is great that the Russian language has been preserved in Azerbaijan at this level and urged for more Russian schools in the country.
He visited the gymnasium No 23 in Baku on the same day.
Zhirinovsky plans to meet with Azerbaijani officials, and see the sights of Baku as part of his visit.
Recently, the Russian politician, who was known for his negative attitude towards Azerbaijan and the Azerbaijani people, has positively changed his views about this country.
In his recent interview with local Russian TV, Zhirinovsky cited
Azerbaijan as a positive example among the CIS countries.
"Let's take Azerbaijan," he said. "All villages are provided with
necessary facilities. New complexes, including sport complexes are
being built. The entire country has changed."
Russian politician explains this rapid development by a correct
choice of the Azerbaijani people, who elected Ilham Aliyev as the
president.
Zhirinovsky also appreciated national leader Heydar Aliyev's
activity, calling him a great Azerbaijani.
He also called on Russian tourists to visit Azerbaijani
resorts.
"Azerbaijan is the only country without an anti-Russian party,"
Zhirinovsky added. "This is truly a friendly country."