The Ministry of External Relations of Astrakhan Region of the Russian Federation (hereinafter referred to as the Ministry) is an executive body of the state power of Astrakhan region that performs functional regulations in the field of international and interregional relations of Astrakhan region and is authorized to oversea cross - border cooperation of Astrakhan region.

The Ministry exercises the following powers in the established sphere of activites, but not limited to:

- ensures implementation of the powers of the Governor of Astrakhan region as the highest official of the region to promote international and foreign economic relations with the subjects of foreign federal states, administrative-territorial entities of foreign states, as well as to engage in the activities of international organizations under the institutional bodies specifically set up for this purpose;

- conducts negotiations with foreign and Russian partners on implementing international and foreign economic activities; 

- provides assistance to the functioning of consular offices of foreign states in the territory of Astrakhan region;

- ensures the development of mutually beneficial international and interregional relations of Astrakhan region;

- contributes to the development of cross-border cooperation of Astrakhan region;

- provides coordination support to the negotiation process with foreign partners and international organizations on behalf of the Governor of Astrakhan region and the Government of Astrakhan region.