Rustam Minnikhanov meets Vice Speaker of Hungary's National Assembly Janos Latorcai

On December 17, at Hungarian Parliament in Budapest, Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov met Vice Speaker of Hungary's National Assembly Janos Latorcai.

Ambassador of Russia to Hungary Vladimir Sergeev took part in the meeting.

Mr. Janos Latorcai welcomed the guests and wished them a successful visit that will favour strengthening of Russia-Hungary relations.

Speaking at the meeting, Rustam Minnikhanov said: “We appreciate the opportunity of developing cooperation between Tatarstan and Hungary.” He noted that a representative delegation arrived in Hungary from Tatarstan, and the main purpose of the visit is expansion of trade-economic, scientific-technical and cultural contacts.

Tatarstan President also suggested considering the opportunity of organizing a visit of Hungarian businessmen to the republic. According to Minnikhanov, the foreign trade turnover between Tatarstan and Hungary made 1.2 billion dollars in 2013, however, it will be less in 2014.

Tatarstan President stressed that Hungarian businessmen can use Tatarstan as a place for entering Russian market. Among prospective areas of cooperation Minnikhanov named petrochemistry, pharmaceutics, energy saving, agriculture, light industry, education and culture.

Janos Latorcai stated that good relations have been established between Russia and Hungary. “Russia is our closest partner, and strengthening bilateral relations is important for us. We are willing to establish serious relations with Tatarstan and are planning to open Consulate-General of Hungary in Kazan,” he said.

Speaking about education, Mr. Latorcai said that Hungary is going to provide 200 scholarships for Russian students and expressed his hope that there will be students from Tatarstan as well.

“I hope that during our visits to Russia we will come to Kazan,” Janos Latorcai summarized.