Azerbaijan and Dagestan are separated by a state border, yet they are connected by far more: a shared history, close cultural and human ties, the Caspian Sea, and a mutual interest in the development of the entire region. Against the backdrop of major changes in transport routes, the growing importance of the Caspian region and the emergence of new economic opportunities, the question of how fully the potential for Azerbaijani-Dagestani cooperation is being utilized today has become particularly relevant.

This is not only about trade and logistics. The shallowing of the Caspian Sea, environmental threats, the condition of coastal ecosystems, the development of port infrastructure and the International North–South Transport Corridor are shaping a new agenda in which the challenges and interests of Azerbaijan and Dagestan increasingly overlap.

What role does Azerbaijan play for Dagestan today? Can the environmental agenda become a new platform for practical cooperation? Why have human and cultural ties not yet fully translated into sustainable professional and public contacts? And is a new “reset” of relations possible at the level of societies, experts and regional institutions?

Vefader Melikov, a Dagestani journalist and media manager, head of the Institute for the Development of New Media of the Republic of Dagestan, former editor-in-chief of Arguments and Facts – Dagestan and former head of the incident reporting department at RIA Dagestan, discusses these issues in an interview with CASPIA.

– If we look at relations between Azerbaijan and Dagestan today not through the prism of individual events, but from a strategic perspective, how would you assess their current state? In which areas have we already achieved results, and where does the potential for cooperation remain unrealized?

— Azerbaijan is home to sizeable Lezgin and Avar communities, while Dagestan has an Azerbaijani community. This fact alone makes cooperation between our two republics an objective necessity. However, the current level of interaction cannot yet be described as sufficient. The potential is far from exhausted, and we certainly have much to strive for.

– How has Azerbaijan’s importance for Dagestan changed in recent years, given the growing role of international transport corridors and the development of the Caspian region?

— Azerbaijan’s importance for Dagestan has increased noticeably. Above all, this is connected with Azerbaijan’s strengthened role in the region following the well-known events of 2020–2023.

– Which areas of cooperation between Azerbaijan and Dagestan are currently the most promising: the economy, transport, the environment, education, culture or humanitarian ties? Why these particular areas?

— In my view, transport cooperation is the most promising area. Azerbaijan and Dagestan could become an important transit hub for international freight transportation. However, the development of this area continues to be hindered by the fact that Azerbaijan’s land borders have remained closed for several years.

– The problem of the shallowing of the Caspian Sea is being discussed increasingly often. To what extent is this problem already being felt in Dagestan, and how is it affecting the regional economy, fisheries, shipping and coastal infrastructure?

— This is not a problem for Dagestan alone. The shallowing of the Caspian Sea is indeed becoming an increasingly pressing challenge for all Caspian regions. The falling water level has a number of negative consequences for both the economy and the environment.

First and foremost, it directly affects commercial fisheries. A reduction in the surface area of the water and changes in the ecosystem could lead to lower catches, inevitably affecting the incomes of fishermen and related sectors of the economy.

Moreover, declining water levels require the adaptation of existing infrastructure, including ports, berths and other facilities. In some cases, this will require significant financial investment in modernization or even complete reconstruction. And it is precisely in this area, perhaps more than in any other, that the problem must be addressed collectively.

– Can the environmental agenda itself become a new unifying theme for cooperation between Azerbaijan and Dagestan? Which joint projects could be most in demand?

— Absolutely. The environmental agenda can indeed become a new unifying platform for cooperation between Azerbaijan and Dagestan, given the shared challenges related to climate change, ecosystem degradation and environmental pollution in the Caspian region.

One of the most relevant areas could be the creation of joint research groups to monitor the condition of the Caspian Sea’s ecosystems and coastal areas and study the causes of shallowing and pollution. This would make it possible not only to collect the necessary scientific data but also to develop effective mechanisms for addressing existing problems.

– How ready is Dagestan’s scientific community today for more active cooperation with Azerbaijani research centres on issues related to the Caspian Sea?

— I think it is only a matter of time. Both our scientists and yours understand perfectly well that addressing such problems jointly is far more effective than acting separately.

– Dagestan is increasingly being viewed as an important link in the International North–South Transport Corridor. What advantages does this offer the region, and which infrastructure problems remain unresolved?

— As part of the International North–South Transport Corridor, Dagestan is indeed acquiring strategic importance. This route is designed to connect the countries of Northern Europe with southern regions, including Iran and India, opening up significant economic opportunities for the republic.

At the same time, infrastructure problems remain. Despite its advantageous geographical location, many roads and transport hubs require major repairs and modernization. Eliminating existing bottlenecks remains one of the key challenges. However, the region is already working actively in this direction. In particular, major projects are underway to build bypass roads around Derbent and Khasavyurt.

– How do you assess the prospects for closer cooperation between the ports of Baku and Makhachkala? Which projects could produce practical results in the coming years?

— I do not consider myself an expert in economics, but I believe one does not have to be a specialist to understand the obvious: the prospects for closer cooperation between the ports of Baku and Makhachkala look highly promising. This is due to their strategic locations and their potential role in supporting transit cargo flows between Europe, Russia and the wider Caspian region.

Such cooperation could bring mutual benefits to both Dagestan and Azerbaijan, given the shared interest of the two sides in developing trade, logistics and transport infrastructure.

– Azerbaijan and Russia maintain an established political dialogue. But are the opportunities for interregional cooperation with Dagestan being fully utilized today?

— Interregional cooperation between Azerbaijan and Dagestan has considerable potential that is still far from being fully utilized.

– What role could an Azerbaijani-Dagestani parliamentary group play in advancing practical projects between the two sides? If a permanent Azerbaijani-Dagestani expert platform were established, which issues should it address first?

— An Azerbaijani-Dagestani parliamentary group could play a key role in strengthening bilateral ties and promoting practical joint projects. It could become an effective bridge for cooperation, facilitating dialogue and drawing attention to the interests of both sides.

The group could regularly organize meetings involving representatives of business, investors, the academic community and public organizations, helping to establish new business contacts and identify promising areas of cooperation.

If a permanent Azerbaijani-Dagestani expert platform were established, it could initially focus on the economy, transport infrastructure, culture, education, the environment and humanitarian cooperation. All that is needed is the will to make it happen.

– How would you assess the current level of contacts between young people in Azerbaijan and Dagestan? What is lacking today to build sustainable professional and public ties?

— At present, the level of such contacts remains virtually minimal. However, the prospects are quite promising, as young people in the two regions share common historical and cultural roots, creating a favourable foundation for the development of long-term ties.

– Can joint work by journalists, universities and analytical centres become a tool for strengthening trust between our societies? In your view, which projects should be implemented first in order to take relations to a qualitatively new level?

— Absolutely. Such cooperation can significantly improve mutual understanding, reduce stereotypes and prejudice, and create a sustainable platform for constructive dialogue.

The joint exchange of information and ideas, the development of educational programmes, and the creation of an expert community bringing together scholars, analysts and journalists would not only strengthen professional ties but also help demonstrate the potential and achievements of both sides.

Combining the efforts of journalists, members of the academic community and analytical centres in Azerbaijan and Dagestan could become an important factor in strengthening trust between our societies. The implementation of such projects would create a qualitatively new foundation for cooperation at different levels and help improve mutual perceptions, representing an important step towards closer and mutually beneficial interaction. And, as the saying goes, a good neighbour is better than a distant friend. I am convinced that a reset in Azerbaijani-Dagestani relations is inevitable.