Rustam Minnikhanov: I am sure that Tatarstan and Abkhazia will find common interests

On July 23, at his meeting with President of Abkhazia Raul Khadjimba at the Kazan Kremlin, Interim President of the Republic of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov said that he is sure that Tatarstan and Abkhazia will find common interests.

The meeting discussed prospects of cooperation in a number of areas Abkhazia and Tatarstan as one of the regions of Russia. Minnikhanov noted that the cooperation at the regional level will help to strengthen relations between the countries.

He said that Tatarstan is ready to help Abkhazia with its major work on the revival of the local economy, which is underway. Minnikhanov pointed out the construction, medicine, education, hydropower and tourism as the most interesting areas for cooperation.

He added that the basis for mutual cooperation between Abkhazia and Tatarstan was laid in 1994 within the framework of the signing of the treaty of friendship. The total volume of trade turnover between the republics today is not so great, Minnikhanov said, adding that both regions need to take further steps to improve it.

In his turn Khadjimba noted that all proposals made by Minnikhanov for strengthening cooperation between the two republics need to be promoted. According to him, the cooperation in the field of hydropower is one of the most interesting areas.