Alexander Khloponin, Russian deputy prime minister and presidential envoy to North Caucasus Federal District believes Russia has to learn to perceive Caucasus as the country’s strategic region.

“Caucasus is not an A-bomb or powder barrel threatening to explode; it’s a strategic territory to Russia,” he noted. “This if the reason for all investments, as well as the number of armed forces stationed in the region.”

Deputy prime minister cited several reasons to consider Caucasus as a strategic region, one of them the country’s being the basis for Russia’s intellectual potential development. “Caucasus has crucial role in preventing penetration of terrorism, extremism, pseudo-Islam in Russia. Serving as a bridge to Middle East, Caucasus also contributes to Russia’s demographic potential growth.”

As Alexander Khloponin stated, development of local production in South Caucasus should be set as a basis for further progress in the region.