Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s remarks at a presentation of the Republic of Dagestan, Moscow, June 6, 2025

Mr Melikov,

Colleagues,

Friends,

Welcome to the presentation of the Republic of Dagestan at the Foreign Ministry’s Main Administration for Service to the Diplomatic Corps (GlavUpDK).

I would like to wish a happy Eid al-Adha holiday to everyone in this audience, your friends and relatives, and all people of the Republic of Dagestan, as well as all Muslims.

Neighbourliness, peacefulness, and care for your neighbour are true values of Islam which have taken on special significance in our challenging times and are promoting the unity of our multi-ethnic nation.

Muslims from Dagestan and the entire Russian Federation 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. We bow our heads before the heroes. We wish Victory to everyone who remains in the ranks of the special military operation and all of us.

May kindness, goodness, mutual respect, and unity always be with you and all of us and give us all strength for new accomplishments.

Today’s event will allow our numerous guests to get acquainted with this distinctive and outstanding constituent entity of the Russian Federation, and to appreciate its economic, investment, cultural and tourist potential.

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. You could see some of them at the exhibition held in connection with today’s presentation. The hospitality of the people of the Republic has been rightly noted by everyone who has visited this hospitable Russian region.

The names of many outstanding Dagestani natives have brought glory to our Motherland in a variety of fields. Among them is the famous Soviet and Russian poet and public figure Rasul Gamzatov, whose 100th anniversary was widely marked throughout Russia in 2023. In the year of the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory, I will especially note the contribution of Dagestanis to the defence of the Fatherland during the Great Patriotic War and on the fields of the special military operation today.

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.  Mr Melikov, his colleagues, and I discussed this today.

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. A variety of tourist routes, modern ski resorts, and mineral springs are awaiting the guests.

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 unified foreign policy course of the Russian Federation approved by President Vladimir Putin.

Friends,

Today, you have the chance to get familiar with the ancient traditions of Dagestan, to try unique local foods, and to outline new areas of mutually beneficial cooperation.

In conclusion, I would like to wish all people and leaders of Dagestan good health, prosperity, and success in implementing their plans.