Governor of Astrakhan region Alexander Zhilkin took part in the interregional forum of Russia and Kazakhstan in Chelyabinsk.

On November 8-9, Chelyabinsk hosted the XIV Forum of Interregional Cooperation of Russia and Kazakhstan with the participation of the heads of state. Astrakhan region was represented at this event by the Governor Alexander Zhilkin. Within the framework of the Forum there was a meeting of Russian-Kazakhstan Business Council, forum of rectors of Russian and Kazakhstan universities, an exhibition "Human Capital Development" was organized, the theme of which was timed to the main agenda of the forum.
Presidents of the two states participating in the forum noted that the main way to achieve the development of human capital is to invest in education, health, science, and the environment, which leads to the desired improvement in the living standards of citizens of the two states. The focus both attention and joint efforts on trade and economic cooperation between the regions of both countries will help to attract the necessary investments. To get the desired results from the economy, Presidents Vladimir Putin and Nursultan Nazarbayev instructed the governments and the bilateral intergovernmental commission to take additional measures to remove barriers to the movement of goods, capital and labor. Besides, a comprehensive program of Russian-Kazakhstan interregional cooperation for the period 2018-2023 was prepared for the forum, aimed at an even more active involvement of the regions in the interaction between the two countries.
Astrakhan region, being one of the 12 subjects of Russian Federation bordering Kazakhstan, has been developing economic and socio-cultural cooperation with the border regions of Kazakhstan for many years. Realizing the importance of education as a sphere directly contributing to the development of human capital, for many years Ministry of Education and Science of Astrakhan Region and Education Department of Atyrau Oblast have cooperation agreement that provides methodological assistance to teachers of the Russian language and literature in Atyrau oblast and teachers of the Kazakh language and literature in Astrakhan region.
Within the framework of bilateral cooperation between Astrakhan and Kazakhstan universities, joint programs for qualified personnel training are being implemented; training cycles, lectures and practical exercises are organized; regular exchange of students. In Astrakhan region, about 1500 Kazakhstan students are taking active part in public life, introducing Russian students and residents of Astrakhan creativity and art of their country. In the framework of the Association of State Universities of the Caspian countries, which includes leading universities and research institutes of Astrakhan region and the Republic of Kazakhstan, in 2018 it is planned to hold the XXI General Assembly and the VI Sports Student Games in Kazakhstan.
The topic of the next interregional forum, to be held in 2018, will be devoted to new approaches and trends in tourism development in Russia and Kazakhstan. The city of Petropavlovsk (North-Kazakhstan oblast) is chosen as the next Forum place.