The Caspian region is very important for Russia, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin stressed, speaking Thursday at the plenary session of the II Caspian Economic Forum (CEF).
"For Russia, the Caspian is of great importance. First of all, considering its strategic location in the center of Eurasia, at the intersection of transport and energy arteries, as well as [considering] a large number of minerals and unique bioresources in its water area," said the head of the Russian cabinet of ministers.
According to him, the Caspian region is a crossroads of cultures, civilizations and religions, the place where people of different nationalities and religions have always treated each other with respect and kindness. "Such traditions persist even now. We may have different interests, but we are able to find mutually beneficial solutions in a dialogue," Mishustin emphasized.
He welcomed the participants and guests of the CEF, recalling that the forum was created on the initiative of Ashgabat and was first held three years ago in Turkmenistan. The chairman of the Russian cabinet of ministers thanked his colleagues for supporting the proposal to hold the current meeting in Moscow.
"The most important issues that concern our region are discussed on the platforms of the forum. With the participation of representatives of governments, regions, business circles and the expert community, proposals are being prepared to strengthen cooperation in many areas - from energy and transport to investments and tourism," Mishustin summed up.
He also recalled that October 6 is Memorial Day in Turkmenistan, commemorating those killed in the 1948 Ashgabat earthquake. "Seventy-four years ago, one of the most devastating disasters of the last century claimed the lives of tens of thousands of people. Houses and businesses were damaged, almost the entire city was in ruins, which was a real tragedy that left no one indifferent. All of our great country responded to the pain of the people of Turkmenistan. Both Russia and other Soviet republics took part in rebuilding the city," Mishustin said. He expressed his condolences to the people of Turkmenistan and to those who lost loved ones during the earthquake.
GSV "Russia - Islamic world"
Photo: Federation Council
Based on materials from TASS