Rustam Minnikhanov: “Cooperation with Organisation of Islamic Cooperation is very useful for Tatarstan”

At a meeting with Secretary General of Organisation of Islamic Cooperation Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu President of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov said: “The Republic of Tatarstan is intensively cooperating with a number of OIC branches and is willing to develop mutually beneficial relations.” The meeting took place in Jeddah during the visit of Tatarstan delegation to Saudi Arabia.

Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu welcomed Rustam Minnikhanov at OIC headquarters and thanked him for the visit. He told about forthcoming events to be held by the organisation that may be interesting for republic. In particular, OIC Secretary General invited Rustam Minnikhanov to agro-industrial forum where Tatarstan could present investment opportunities of agricultural sector. Besides, OIC is ready to render support in promoting Bolgar and Sviyazhsk for inclusion in UNESCO world heritage list. Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu offered Rustam Minnikhanov to establish cooperation in scientific and educational spheres.

Rustam Minnikhanov thanked Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu for holding events under the auspices of OIC in Tatarstan.

Speaking about prospects of cooperation between Tatarstan and Islamic countries in agricultural industry, Rustam Minnikhanov confirmed intentions of republican leadership to participate in different agricultural exhibitions and forums.

According to Rustam Minnikhanov, organisation of hadj and manufacturing of halal production are important but not developed spheres in Russia. He hopes for OIC assistance in settling these issues.