Mintimer Shaimiev meets with Ambassador of Cuba to Russia Mr Emilio Ratmir Lozada Garcia

On June 4, Tatarstan State Counsellor Mintimer Shaimiev met with Ambassador of Cuba to Russia Mr Emilio Ratmir Lozada Garcia, who was appointed to the postin October 2012.

Before the meeting the guests were told about activity of “Revival” Foundation and the project “Cultural heritage of Tatarstan: ancient town of Bolgar and island town of Sviyazhsk”.

Emilio Ratmir Lozada Garcia said that the first Tatarstan President in known in Cuba as a respected historical figure, one of the famous Russian politicians and founder of bilateral relations between Russia and Cuba, Tatarstan and Cuba.

“We will never forget that in 90s, a very difficult time for our country, Tatarstan opened a trade-economic representative office in Cuba. It was very important for us. Thank you for your support. Tatarstan is a unique entity of the Russian Federation, and we appreciate friendly relations established between our republics,” the ambassador said.

During the conversation the Ambassador told about new stage in country’s development, and modernization of economic system. He believes that Tatarstan companies will take part in formation of new economic model in Cuba within cooperation between Russia and Cuba. “We are studying Tatarstan experience in period of reforms, and we fund many useful things for us. Tatarstan achieved success due to important decisions made that time,” Emilio Ratmir Lozada Garcia added. He addressed Mintimer Shaimiev with request to study official documents and laws passed that time.

Mintimer Shaimiev, in his turn, noted that Cuba has always been a special country for Russians. Unity and heroism of Cuba citizens and its leaders have always inspired respect and admiration. “Cooperation between Russia and Cuba is strengthening and relations between Tatarstan and Cuba are developing. We are your friends and Tatarstan is always open for you,” Mintimer Shaimiev said.

Emilio Ratmir Lozada Garcia shared his impressions about the project on reconstruction of Bolgar and Sviyazhsk, and invited Mintimer Shaimiev to Cuba to see restoration of historical buildings in Havana.