Rustam Minnikhanov: “We would like to establish cooperation with North Korea”

On March 21, Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov and DPRK Minister of Foreign Trade Lee Ren Nam discussed prospects of economic cooperation between Tatarstan and Democratic People’s Republic of Korea during their meeting held within the framework of the Tatarstan delegation visit to Pyongyan.

At the beginning of the meeting, Tatarstan President thanked the Korean colleagues for the opportunity to visit the DPRK. “We would like to tell you about the potential of our republic. Our delegation consists of government officials and businessmen, therefore, we hope to discuss issues of cooperation,” Rustam Minnikhanov said.

DPRK’s Minister of Foreign Trade Lee Ren Nam, in his turn, said that North Korea is also interested in cooperation. “I believe that your visit will be useful for our peoples and contribute to strengthening the relations between Russia and North Korea, friendship and cooperation. And I am pleased to discuss issues related to economic cooperation with you,” Lee Ren Nam continued.

According to the Minister, trade and economic relations between North Korea and Russia are being established at intergovernmental and regional levels. In particular, North Korea cooperates with Primorsky and Khabarovsk Territories, Amur and Sakhalin regions, Saint Petersburg. At the same time, the Minister noted the low rate of turnover between two countries. “I am sure that we should bring our trade and economic relations to a new higher level by our mutual efforts,” Lee Ren Nam noted.

Lee Ren Nam confirmed that North Korea is interested in the implementation of a number of projects offered by Tatarstan and suggested establishing a joint working group for cooperation between Tatarstan and the DPRK.

“I am convinced that historically good relations between Russian and North Korea will allow us to foster our cooperation in perspective areas. I completely agree with you that our trade and economic relations have been insubstantial so far, but there is the potential for growth and that is why we came to your country,” Rustam Minnikhanov pointed out.

Rustam Minnikhanov told about the economic development of Tatarstan, opportunities available in the region in industrial and agricultural areas. “We believe that agriculture is one of the perspective areas of our cooperation,” Rustam Minnikhanov added.

Tatarstan President said that last year Kazan hosted the Universiade and the North Korean athletes showed great results at the games.

“The range of our relations could be wide and diverse, including not only economic, but education, sports and cultural areas. Our main task is to introduce our republic and learn more about your country to establish  further cooperation,” Rustam Minnikahov said.

Summing up, Lee Ren Nam wished Tatarstan to take the leading position in cooperation with North Korea among other Russian regions. Rustam Minnikhanov, in his turn, said that Tatarstan leadership will rely on good neighborly relations between two countries and mutual trust between their leaders. “I am sure that federal authorities and Russian Embassy in North Korea will give their ultimate assistance in the implementation of our joint plans,” Rustam Minnikhanov concluded.