Following a meeting with Iranian Ambassador to Russia Kazem Jalali on April 12, Russian State Duma MP Khizri Abakarov said that Iran might open a general consulate in Dagestan.

"We considered the possibility of opening the Consulate General of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Dagestan," Abakarov said. The further development of relations between Russia and Iran was also discussed during the meeting. According to the MP, Jalali plans to assist in opening direct air communication between Makhachkala and Tehran, as well as support cruise tourism in the Caspian Sea.

Notably, in recent years, the relationship between Iran and Dagestan has been focused on economic and cultural cooperation. Iran has expressed interest in investing in Dagestan's infrastructure and energy sectors, while Dagestani authorities have sought to increase tourism from Iran. In recent years, Iran and Dagestan have strengthened their economic ties. In 2017, the trade turnover between the two countries reached $34.5 million. Iran is the leading trading partner of Dagestan, and the two countries are working on expanding trade in several areas, including agriculture, energy, and tourism. Iran is also a significant source of investment in Dagestan. In 2017, Iranian companies invested $15-16 million in a pharmaceutical company in Dagestan. Iran has also offered to help modernize the Makhachkala seaport, which would allow for establishment of a ferry service between Iran and Dagestan.