Rustam Minnikhanov: the Republic of Belarus is one of the most important partners of Tatarstan

Creation of common economic space between Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan is meant to favour development of trade-economic relations between Tatarstan and Belarus, Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov stated at a meeting with Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Belarus to the Russian Federation Andrei Kobyakov.

Opening the meeting RT President noted with satisfaction that trade-economic cooperation between Tatarstan and Belarus are successfully developing.

By words of Rustam Minnikhanov Belarus is traditionally considered to be one of the most important partners of Tatarstan. Cooperation is developing in petrochemistry, engineering, agriculture and light industry.

RT President thanked Belarus leadership for assistance in construction of filling stations JSC Tatneft. Organization of assembly production of Minsk tractors in Tatarstan is the example for many Russian companies, Rustam Minnikhanov added.

Head of Tatarstan also mentioned IT sector. He believes Tatarstan and Belarus have to share their experience in this sphere.

Tatarstan President said cooperation in the sphere of culture and sport should also be developing and invited Belarus sportsmen for training in Kazan sport objects.

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Belarus to Russia Andrei Kobyakov commented on results of the meeting: “it was a very informative conversation about the whole range of relations of Belarus and Tatarstan. The parties agreed trade-economic cooperation is the basis of their relations”, A. Kobyakov said.

By words of the Ambassador in 2011 Tatarstan and Belarus reverted to pre-crisis volume of mutual trade turnover. For 11 months it has made 1,1bln dollars. Moreover, trade-economic cooperation has faced positive qualitative changes.

Director of Department for external relations of RT President – Aide to RT President on international issues Iskander Muflikhanov said he is sure creation of common economic space between Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan would give impetus to development of trade-economic relations of these countries.