Rustam Minnikhanov at his meeting with Mayor of Harbin: Tatarstan appreciates high level of relations with China

On September 5, at the Kazan Kremlin, Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov had a meeting with the Chinese delegation led by Mayor of People's Government of Harbin Song Xibin.

In his welcoming speech Minnikhanov said that Tatarstan appreciates the current high level of relations with China and puts much emphasis on the extension of bilateral ties aimed at strengthening friendship and cooperation between Russia and China.

He reminded that in October last year, he visited the city of Harbin, where he took part in the Second Russian-Chinese Expo. During his visit, Tatarstan President met with Governor of Heilongjiang Province Lu Hao and discussed prospects of cooperation with the Chinese business community. In particular, the possibility of using the experience of Harbin in the construction of the new exhibition center KAZANEXPO was considered.

According to Minnikhanov, there are historical links between Harbin and Russia. Today it is one of the largest cities and industrial centers of Northeast China with the developed engineering, pharmaceutical and food clusters. Moreover, the city has developed scientific, technical and tourist potential.

Minnikhanov pointed out that Tatarstan is actively cooperating with Chinese partners. "Chinese leaders, officials and business delegation often visit our republic. Tatarstan representatives are also frequent guests of your country. There is the Trade and Economic Representative Office of Tatarstan in Beijing.  A decision to open the Chinese Consulate General in Kazan was made. Our universities are also actively cooperating. Tatarstan has been actively involved in the work of the joint regional group "Volga-Yangtze”, Minnikhanov continued.

Minnikhanov added that Tatarstan is willing to become a starting platform for Harbin to enter the Russian market.

In his turn Song Xibin thanked Minnikhanov for the warm reception and excellent organization of the visit of the Chinese delegation to Kazan and added that  cooperation with Tatarstan is of great interest to Harbin.