Makhachkala, September 4, 2015. The deputy Prime Minister Alexander Khloponin has chaired a meeting of the organizing committee for the celebration of the 2000th anniversary of Derbent.

The meeting was attended by the Russian Presidential Plenipotentiary Envoy in the North Caucasian Federal District Sergey Melikov, the deputy Minister of the Russian Federation for the North Caucasus Odes Baysultanov, Dagestani Head Ramazan Abdulatipov, Dagestan Prime Minister Abdusamad Gamidov, the representatives of the State Duma, the Federation Council and the federal and regional executive bodies.

Opening the meeting, Alexander Khloponin said that the anniversary events would help to create additional opportunities for the tourism and investment potential of the Northern Caucasus. The vice premier also compared his previous visit to Derbent and marked appreciable differences.

"Derbent is our cultural heritage and it deserves to become a major tourist destination where people can come from all over the country. As you know, the Russian President Vladimir Putin and the Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev decided to extend the celebratory events till 2018. It means that we will celebrate the anniversary each September 19 in 2015-2018. We do everything to develop Derbent, to increase its tourism potential and investment attractiveness. This celebration is only the beginning for a further development of Derbent "- the deputy Prime Minister said.

To date, the restoration of cultural heritage of federal importance in Derbent – the Naryn-Kala citadel has been completed. The water reservoir of the XVI century, the walls and towers of the citadel have been refurbished.

The parties also discussed the measures, scheduled within the framework of the jubilee events. The top officials appreciated the systematic work on preparation of festival of national cultures of Dagestan peoples with participation of representatives from the other Russian regions.

The main events of the festival are expected to become: "City of Dagestan craftsmen" and "National traditions of the Russian Federation", the historical reconstruction of the life and customs of ancient residents of Derbent.

The temples and homes of local residents living in the oldest town will open doors for the guests. As it is reported the celebration will be attended by thousands of guests, including delegations from 40 regions of Russia, Azerbaijan, Turkey and Iran.

"Today we should think about how to develop Derbent. The city needs modern facility and transport infrastructure. In particular, we plan to build Derbent airport. This project has already been supported by the Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev. The direct flight from Moscow to Derbent will grant an opportunity to visit the city, for example, at the weekend"- Dagestani Head Ramazan Abdulatipov stressed.