The increasing of the level of relations between Russia and Azerbaijan is normal, and the parties intend to develop trade, economic, and political ties. Denis Gonchar, Director of the Fourth Department of the CIS Countries of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, told this to RIA Novosti.

The Russian MFA official recalled that during the visit of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to Moscow on February 22, a declaration of allied cooperation was signed between Russia and Azerbaijan, and said that this declaration "raises bilateral relations to a new level."

"We consider this as an important phase in our multifaceted relations, we are ready to implement all the provisions of the mentioned declaration more vigorously," Gonchar added.

He stressed that this document includes the whole complex of bilateral relations between the two countries, and envisages closer foreign policy coordination as well as development of trade and economic ties.

"The logic of Russian-Azerbaijani cooperation has led us to a normal increase in the level of bilateral relations. It is quite symbolic that the declaration on allied cooperation was signed on the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations [between the two countries]," Denis Gonchar concluded.