Daghestan and Astrakhan Region sign cooperation agreement

Makhachkala, May 22, 2014. On May 21, Daghestani Head Ramazan Abdulatipov met with a delegation fr om Astrakhan region headed by Governor Alexander Zhilkin who had arrived in Daghestan for an official visit. The delegation also included Head of the Governor’s Administration Kanat Shantimirov, the minister of foreign economic relations Denis Afanassiev, the minister of finance Vitaly Shvedov, CEO of "AstDomStroy-Invest" Yussuf Zeynedinov, the deputy head of the organizational board of the Governor's Administration Igor Makarov.

The meeting also brought together Daghestan Prime Minister Abdussamad Gamidov, the chief of the Head and Government’s Administration Ramazan Aliyev, the minister of national policy Alexei Gassanov, the minister of economy and regional development Rayudin Yussufov.

R. Abdulatipov thanked the guests for their visit noting the importance of developing effective connections between Daghestan and Astrakhan region: "You have achieved a lot in many areas in recent years. Currently, Daghestan finds itself in a situation wh ere about 80 % of industrial output, 75 % of agriculture, virtually the whole fishing industry have been destroyed. I know that you have been through similar difficulties, so your experience seems to be very valuable."

Speaking about the significance of establishing a fruitful cooperation between the neighboring regions, R. Abdulatipov recalled: "Contacts like that are not only our personal relationships but government connections. This is the way the unity of our homeland would strengthen."

In turn, A.Zhilkin again thanked Daghestan Leader for the opportunity to visit Daghestan. "Our region is a multinational one, you can find more than 160 nations and nationalities here including Daghestani who have been for many years successfully living and working in our region. And I'm really glad to be here in your hospitable country today. I have walked around the city and saw that there are very beautiful, kind, and respectful people in Makhachkala. I must admit, it was very nice that many people recognized us."

Anticipating the ceremony of signing the cooperation agreement, the two regional heads identified the main areas for future partnership. They noted that it’s very useful to study the Astrakhan region’s experience of interacting with the Caspian bordering countries. Moreover, R. Abdulatipov said that Daghestan lacks highly qualified engineers, doctors, and lawyers.

According to the document signed by Ramazan Abdulatipov and Alexander Zhilkin, the 2 neighboring regions will enjoy bilateral cooperation in industry, transport, building, housing and utilities, agriculture, trade, science, education, culture, sports, tourism, youth policy, social protection, and healthcare. They will do their best to develop economic relations, to work out and implement joint projects including investment projects, and to collaborate in implementing programs for developing and supporting entrepreneurship.