Russia is interested in expansion of cooperation with Azerbaijani business, Russian leader Vladimir Putin said during his meeting with Azerbaijani counterpart Ilham Aliyev.

Putin said trade turnover between the countries is growing despite turbulence in economy. Last year the trade turnover increased by more than 12 percent, and this shows that Azerbaijani businessmen are using situation in the markets, Putin added.

The Russian leader emphasized that Moscow and Baku spare no efforts to diversify bilateral relations, adding there are “all prerequisites for this”, RIA Novosti reported.

Azerbaijani president, for his part, said he is optimistic about cooperation with Russia, adding that relations are developing positively and dynamically.

“Despite difficulties in global economy, we boost potential of economic cooperation,” he said.

Thanking President Putin for visiting the opening of European Games in Baku, Aliyev said they consider it “as a manifestation of friendship and the high level of cooperation between our countries.”