Makhachkala, June 25, 2014. Daghestani Head Ramazan Abdulatipov and Daghestan Minister of National Policy Alexei Gassanov commented on the 5th Russian and Azerbaijan forum, the press service of the Daghestan head and government’s administration told RIA "Daghestan".

Alexei Gassanov pointed out that the regular international marketplace offers new opportunities for inter-regional cooperation development. "For Daghestan, it is a very useful and significant forum, because Azerbaijan is our strategic partner and the closest neighbor," he said.

Then, Daghestani Head took turn in speaking. Assessing the economic relations between Azerbaijan and Daghestan as rather weak, Ramazan Abdulatipov said they needed to develop them. "We have established contacts with Azerbaijan: we are implementing a number of joint projects in Daghestan, primarily - in Derbent. We enjoy great cooperation potential, and we should use it."

Summarizing the forum, Ramazan Abdulatipov was happy to say that they had been able to discuss a wide range of issues those 2 days.

"It was about economy, culture, inter-regional relations, investment, etc. This forum has been critical and helpful, and our proposal is to hold the next forum in the North Caucasus,"- he concluded.