On behalf of the Ministry of Transport of the Russian Federation I welcome the participants, guests and organizers of the International Geopolitical Symposium "1520: Strategic Dialogue"

The scale of the geographical area of Russia determine the role of transport as forming the economic backbone of the country. Besides, transportation links connect the country with the international community, being the material basis to ensure the international cooperation and integration of Russian into the global economic system.

The railway network of the "1520 Area" is among the most important tools to strengthen the territorial integrity of the Russian Federation and achieve the political goals in foreign relations.

International Geopolitical Symposium “1520: Strategic Dialogue" will address the political vector of transport development and issues of practical application of scientific knowledge in order to further the economic development of the state and promote inter-state relations.

I hope that the suggestions worked out at the Symposium will form a basis for further solutions to ensure the development of a dynamic, sustainable and balanced national transportation system.

I wish the participants of the Symposium a constructive and fruitful work!