Rustam Minnikhanov in Canada: We need to find new ways to develop cooperation between Tatarstan and Quebec province

On September 26, during his working visit to Montreal, Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov had a meeting with Minister of economy, science, innovations and information technologies of Quebec province Ms. Dominique Anglade at the Bombardier factory.

Welcoming the Minister, Minnikhanov said that during his first visit to the Canadian province of Quebec as Prime Minister of Tatarstan in 1998 the agreement on cooperation between the two regions within the framework of Russian-Canadian relations was signed.

The republic is actively working with Pratt & Wittney and Bombardier enterprises in the field of aircraft construction and engine technology, Minnikhanov said. Tatneft Oil Company is cooperating with a number of Canadian companies in the field of heavy oil extraction technology. In addition, Tatarstan and Canadian universities are collaborating.

Minnikhanov noted that Tatarstan is interested in expanding contacts with the Quebec province and is ready to support its business, which will come to Tatarstan with its technology, capital and innovation projects.

Tatarstan President admitted that the current state of the international political climate affect the relations between Russia and Canada. But sooner or later the situation will be normalized, Minnikhanov expressed his confidence. Our task is to show an example of successful cooperation at the regional level, he added.

"We need to find new ways to develop cooperation between Tatarstan and the province of Quebec. Our republic has its own practices in the field of high technologies. In particular, we have achieved good results in the field of e-government,” he continued.

Quebec is known for its advanced aviation industry, Minnikhanov said, adding that Tatarstan also has a number of companies for the construction of airplanes and helicopters. He suggested Dominique Anglade arranging a visit of representatives of the local aviation industry to Tatarstan to exchange experience.