"We have discussed air communication establishment with our Syrian partners [at last year's edition of the YIEF]. This topic is particularly interesting for the Republic of Crimea as we have a wonderful airport, able to become a major international air hub of the Russian south. Due to illegal sanctions introduced by Western states and Ukraine, the possibilities of international air communication are still blocked," Muradov said.
The official went on to say that Crimea was also interested in strengthening shipping cooperation, told Sputnik International on Wednesday.
"We are interested in direct trade and transport communication with Syria. For this purpose, we have agreed to open in Crimea a joint Crimean-Syrian trading house, and we have already registered it. A Crimean-Syrian shipping company is currently being created on the base of the shipping company that… transported cargoes across the Kerch Strait when there was no [Kerch] bridge yet. Its load has been reduced significantly, since the bridge currently accounts for the major traffic flow," Muradov said.
He recalled that the first agreements on Crimea-Syria cooperation, including a protocol on intent of Crimea-Latakia Province cooperation, had been signed at the previous edition of the YIEF.
"We are particularly interested in the port of Latakia as we could organize a direct shipping route there. This province is a traditional Syrian tourist region, and we are interested in exchanging experience in tourism," Muradov explained.
The official declared both sides' commitment to humanitarian cooperation, including cultural exchanges and educating Syrian students in Crimean universities.
The YIEF is an annual business event and one of the four biggest economic forums held in Russia. In 2019, the event will take place on April 17-20. The next YIEF is expected to bring together participants from over 100 counties. The status of honorary delegations at the forum will be assigned to delegations from France and Syria.
In October 2018, a Crimean delegation paid a working visit to Syria, following which the sides signed a memorandum on economic cooperation and agreed upon a joint action plan. In December 2018, Muradov announced the establishment of the joint Crimea-Syria trading house, adding that it would be a part of Crimea's free economic zone.
