Azerbaijan and Dagestan are connected not only by a shared border and close family ties, but also by a broad network of economic, transport, cultural and historical links. Against the backdrop of a changing regional trade landscape and the growing importance of the Caspian region, these relations offer new opportunities for development. The International North–South Transport Corridor, prospects for expanding interregional trade and logistics, and shared environmental challenges associated with the declining level of the Caspian Sea are of particular importance in this regard.

In an interview with CASPIA, Tarlan Alekperov, Editor-in-Chief of the republican newspaper Derbent, explains why Dagestan could become one of the most active participants in Russian-Azerbaijani cooperation at the regional level, what opportunities the development of the North–South Corridor could create, why the Caspian Sea's declining water level requires joint solutions, and how the historical ties between the two regions can be transformed into modern mechanisms of cooperation.

— Looking at relations between Azerbaijan and Dagestan today from a strategic perspective rather than through the lens of individual events, how would you assess their current state? Where has tangible progress been achieved, and where does the potential for cooperation remain unrealised?

— Relations between Dagestan and Azerbaijan have evolved over many decades and rest on foundations far deeper than good-neighbourly relations alone. We are connected by geography, history, culture, family ties and long-standing links between our border communities.

Today, I would characterise the state of our relations as consistently positive. At the same time, it is clear that the current level of interaction does not yet reflect the full potential of Azerbaijan and Dagestan. This is particularly true of economic, cultural and humanitarian cooperation.

In my view, one of the most promising areas is the development of a shared Azerbaijani-Dagestani cultural and information space. We have a unique foundation for this: representatives of various peoples of Dagestan have historically lived in Azerbaijan, while ethnic Azerbaijanis form established communities in southern Dagestan. This is not merely a historical fact; it is an existing human bridge that can serve as the basis for new joint initiatives.

To achieve this, regional ministries, cultural institutions, educational organisations, media outlets and civil society organisations need to be more actively involved. It is through such practical mechanisms that our historical affinity can be given contemporary meaning.

— In your view, how has Azerbaijan's importance to Dagestan changed in recent years, given the growing role of international transport corridors and the development of the Caspian region?

— Azerbaijan's importance to Dagestan is objectively increasing, primarily because the region's overall transport and economic landscape is changing. Dagestan's geographical position creates the conditions for the republic to become one of the key links along this major route.

For us, this is about more than transit. If the necessary infrastructure is developed effectively, the corridor could create new economic opportunities. Azerbaijan plays a particularly important role in this system. Rather than simply being located along the same transport route, Azerbaijan and Dagestan could develop complementary infrastructure that strengthens connectivity between them.

I would also highlight the Caspian Sea. Here, too, there is considerable potential for cooperation that has yet to be fully realised. In the longer term, we could work towards a more integrated maritime transport system that complements land routes and makes the Caspian transport network more flexible.

— The problem of the Caspian Sea's declining water level is being discussed with increasing frequency. How acutely is this problem already being felt in Dagestan, and how is it affecting the regional economy, fisheries, shipping and coastal infrastructure?

— The declining level of the Caspian Sea is no longer an abstract environmental issue. Its consequences are becoming increasingly visible across the Caspian littoral regions. The changes are clearly observable in Dagestan as well, and over time their impact is likely to extend to an increasing number of sectors.

It is particularly important to understand that this is a problem no single country can solve on its own. The Caspian Sea is a shared body of water, and environmental processes affecting it have direct implications for all the countries along its shores. This is why it is important that Azerbaijan is actively raising the issue of the Caspian Sea at the international level. I am confident that joint efforts will make it possible to develop more effective response mechanisms.

In this context, the work of Russian-Azerbaijani cooperation mechanisms addressing the Caspian Sea's declining water level is particularly significant. This dialogue needs to be expanded to include the scientific community, environmental specialists, and representatives of the transport and tourism industries. Changes in the sea level are already affecting, among other things, the development of coastal tourism clusters. Environmental issues could therefore become another important area of common interest for Azerbaijan and Dagestan.

— Could environmental issues themselves become a new unifying theme for cooperation between Azerbaijan and Dagestan? Which joint projects would be most relevant and in demand?

— Absolutely. Interregional cooperation between Dagestan and Azerbaijan has a natural foundation and should be developed further. At the same time, I believe our relations need a stronger economic dimension. Environmental cooperation could become part of this process.

Promising areas include joint scientific research into the condition of the Caspian Sea, the exchange of environmental data, projects to monitor the coastline and changes in sea level, as well as cooperation on sustainable tourism and the development of coastal infrastructure.

Dagestan could also benefit from studying Azerbaijan's experience in areas such as construction and tourism more actively. These are currently among the most dynamic sectors of Azerbaijan's economy and could offer practical lessons for Dagestan.

— To what extent is Dagestan's scientific community prepared to engage more actively with Azerbaijani research centres on issues concerning the Caspian Sea?

— There is undoubtedly significant potential for such cooperation. Moreover, I believe that scientific collaboration now needs to be brought to a more systematic level.

Researchers from Dagestan and Azerbaijan could establish joint research groups, organise conferences and expert round tables, and exchange research findings. It is important that cooperation should not be limited to individual events; instead, a permanent professional platform dedicated to Caspian-related issues should be established. This would help us not only gain a better understanding of the processes underway, but also work together to identify practical solutions.

— Azerbaijan and Russia maintain an extensive political dialogue. Are the opportunities for interregional cooperation with Dagestan being fully utilised today?

— I believe there is still considerable room for development. Interstate relations provide the necessary political foundation, but interregional cooperation is what translates that foundation into concrete projects and direct people-to-people contacts. Given its geographical position, Dagestan could become one of the most active participants in Russian-Azerbaijani cooperation at the regional level.

I would particularly highlight trade, transport, tourism, construction, education, culture and the media. In these areas, we could move beyond individual contacts towards long-term programmes and joint projects.

It is especially important not merely to maintain existing ties, but to create new avenues for economic interaction. The more such links we establish, the more resilient the entire system of regional cooperation will become.

— How would you assess the level of engagement between young people in Azerbaijan and Dagestan? What is currently lacking to establish lasting professional and social ties?

— In my view, youth cooperation remains underdeveloped, despite its considerable long-term importance.

I find the idea of establishing information and ethno-cultural centres particularly interesting. For example, we could explore the possibility of opening a centre in Baku dedicated to the cultures of Dagestan's peoples, alongside a corresponding venue in Derbent devoted to Azerbaijani culture. Such centres could serve not merely as cultural venues, but as fully fledged spaces for education, research, youth initiatives, exhibitions, discussions and information exchange.

It is precisely through such institutions that we can help nurture a new generation for whom cooperation between Azerbaijan and Dagestan is not simply a matter of words, but a natural part of social and professional life.

— Could joint efforts by journalists, universities and analytical centres serve as a means of strengthening trust between our societies? Which initiatives, in your view, should be implemented first to bring relations to an entirely new level?

— Absolutely. I believe that humanitarian and information cooperation can be one of the most effective instruments for strengthening mutual trust today.

We need to exchange expertise more actively, particularly in the fields of media and journalism. As a representative of the Dagestan ethnic media holding, I see considerable potential in establishing a programme for the exchange of experience between the journalistic communities of our regions. This could include joint media projects, journalism internships, expert exchanges, the co-production of analytical materials and documentary projects, as well as programmes for young journalists.

Another important area is cooperation between universities and analytical centres. Joint research on the Caspian Sea, transport, the economy, culture and regional security would help build a sustainable professional community on both sides of the border.

I am convinced that cooperation must be developed simultaneously at several levels: political, economic, scientific, cultural, youth and information. Only then can the historical affinity between Dagestan and Azerbaijan be transformed into a modern model of interregional partnership.