Русский
The Russian Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov, has met Sergey Melikov, the Head of the Republic of Dagestan in Moscow. Dagestan is an autonomous Republic within the Russian Federation, and a primarily Muslim region.
Lavrov stated that “Muslims from Dagestan and Russia are making an important contribution to keeping centuries-old traditions of Islam and strengthening spiritual and family values. Today, they are showing courage and bravery, as they, shoulder to shoulder with the representatives of other religions practiced in Russia, defend, day in and day out, the interests of our common Fatherland on the frontlines. May kindness, goodness, mutual respect, and unity always be with you and all of us and give us all strength for new accomplishments.”
The two sides discussed Dagestan’s economic, investment, cultural and tourist potential, with Lavrov continuing “This region is located on the northern slopes of the Main Caucasus Range and has long been called “the land of mountains” and “the land of languages.” Dagestan is an ethnographic marvel. Over 30 indigenous ethnicities and more than 60 ethnic groups have lived here in peace and harmony for centuries. All of them have preserved their own language, cultural traditions, including their folklore and artisanal crafts. The hospitality of the people of the Republic has been rightly noted by everyone who has visited this hospitable Russian region.
Today, Dagestan is a dynamically developing Russian region with modern multi-industry agriculture, food and processing industry, and machine building. Seven industrial parks operate in the region. Its favourable geographical location opens up opportunities for the development of infrastructure, trade and logistics, primarily within the framework of the North-South International Transport Corridor.
Dagestan is famous for its rich cultural and historical heritage. Its nature with breathtaking landscapes, spectacular beauty of the Caucasus Mountains, and warm beaches of the Caspian Sea is truly unique.
The region’s international contacts are being actively promoted. Dagestan maintains external relations with over 60 countries, primarily former Soviet republics and Asia. We welcome the leadership of the Republic and its business circles’ commitment to continued expansion of trade, investment, cultural and humanitarian exchanges, as well as organisation of international forums on its territory. The Foreign Ministry and our foreign missions will continue to provide any assistance that may be needed in this regard in line with the Russian unified foreign policy.”
Dagestan has a Caspian Sea coastline with commercial ports, and potential to play a greater role in linking the Caucasus via the INSTC to markets in Central Asia. It has a population of 3.2 million, with main activities being in the energy sector, with some Caspian Sea oil production, engineering, chemicals, machine building, textile manufacturing, food processing and timber. Oil deposits are located in the narrow coastal region. Dagestan’s natural gas production goes mostly to satisfy local needs. Agriculture is varied and includes grain-farming, viticulture and wine-making, sheep-farming, and dairy.
Dagestan’s main export markets are to Russia, where its brandy and fruits are especially popular, with Azerbaijan, Turkiye, Kazakhstan and the UAE also primary export markets.
Further Reading
Dagestan’s Makhachkala Port Targeting Exports To The Middle East & Asia
