Vladimir Vasiliev: Dagestan is interested in cooperation with Azerbaijan

The 10th Russian-Azerbaijani Interregional Forum, organized by the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation and the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Azerbaijan, is taking place in Moscow. The forum is attended by First Vice President of Azerbaijan Mehriban Aliyeva, Chairman of the Federation Council Valentina Matvienko, heads of economic departments of Russia and Azerbaijan Maxim Oreshkin and Mikail Jabbarov, Russian governors and heads of executive authorities of cities and regions of Azerbaijan, business representatives of both countries. Vestnik Kavkaza spoke to head of Dagestan Vladimir Vasiliev on the sidelines of the forum.

- How is cooperation between Dagestan and Azerbaijan currently developing?

Dagestan is moving towards development of economic cooperation with Azerbaijan. We are working to ensure that regional manufacturers can offer their Azerbaijani partners goods that would be interesting and beneficial to them. So far our economy allows us to supply agricultural products, and we're working to expand production. Right now we have a number of projects, and we hope that we can deliver them to the foreign market in the interests of our neighbors.

At the same time, we have well-established humanitarian ties thanks to close ties between our peoples. Tourists from Azerbaijan are frequent guests of Derbent, and Dagestanis are constantly visiting Baku. Many Dagestanis live in Azerbaijan and many Azerbaijanis live and work in Dagestan.

- How will the opening of a bridge across the Samur River contribute to the development of the region?

- Bridges are extremely important for Dagestan, roads are the future. The republic is actively building a number of transport arteries. I also would like to mention that in 2020 we're waiting for the opening of the high-speed train Baku-Derbent-Makhachkala, Makhachkala-Derbent-Baku.

The 10th Russian-Azerbaijani Interregional Forum is being held from November 22 to 23.