The governor of Astrakhan region of Russia, Alexander Zhilkin, who arrived in Ashgabat leading a high-profile delegation of the region, spoke at the First International Investment Forum in Turkmenistan.

According to the department of press service and information policy of the governor, Alexander Zhilkin spoke about the practical aspects of partnership of Astrakhan region with Turkmenistan - on the ferry line between the ports of Turkmenbashi and Olia, capacity utilization of Astrakhan enterprises for construction and repair of the Turkmen fleet, on mutual deliveries of various materials and food, as well as the manufacture of equipment for offshore exploration and production of hydrocarbons.

He also said that the number of Turkmen students studying in the Astrakhan higher and specialized secondary schools increased more than fourfold in two years. Educational institutions of Astrakhan region train specialists of different professions and retrain staff for the economic-social sphere of Turkmenistan. According to Alexander Zhilkin, it is planned to open a branch of one of the higher educational institutions of Astrakhan region in Balkan province for training of specialists for the tourism industry of Turkmenistan.

"You are our neighbors in the Caspian Sea, with whom we maintain centuries-old relations of friendship and close cooperation," he said.