Ilkham Aliyev and Vladimir Putin, who arrived in Baku for a routine two-day visit, attended the opening ceremony in the concert hall named after former president Geidar Aliyev.
A Kremlin spokesperson said holding the Year of Russia would improve bilateral relations, enhance political contacts and boost economic, scientific, educational and cultural cooperation.
"The Year of Russia envisages various events aiming to maintain the two nations' common cultural heritage, encourage contacts between the citizens of Russia and Azerbaijan, cooperation between public organizations and the creation of a common educational, cultural and informational space," the source said.
In 2006, Azerbaijan will host exhibitions of major Russian museums, concerts of famous singers and bands and many other events and programs.
The two countries' leaders reached an agreement to hold such events back in 2004 during Aliyev's official visit to Russia. The Year of Azerbaijan in Russia was held in 2005.
