Rustam Minnikhanov: We do appreciate the opportunity to develop cooperation between Tatarstan and Iran as part of Russian-Iranian relations

On July 19, at the Kazan Kremlin, Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov had a meeting with Governor of Razavi Khorasan Province Ali Reza Rashidiyan.

Welcoming members of an Iranian delegation, who are on a working visit in Tatarstan, Minnikhanov reminded that he visited Iran in April this year. He thanked the Governor for the warm hospitality extended to the delegation of Tatarstan in Razavi Khorasan Province, as well as for the current return visit.

"We do appreciate the opportunity to develop cooperation between Tatarstan and the Islamic Republic of Iran as part of Russian-Iranian relations," Minnikhanov said. "Multifaceted relations between our states are developing, including  trade and economic spheres."

Minnikhanov also reminded about the recent meeting between Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

"Last year, the trade turnover between Russia and Iran grew by 70 per cent. Governments and business communities of the two countries are making efforts to develop contacts in various fields. For our part, Tatarstan is ready to participate actively in these processes at the regional level,” Minnikhanov said.

Minnikhanov called Razavi Khorasan Province one of the most developed provinces in Iran. It features diversified agriculture, industry and has rich cultural and historical heritage, he said. The capital of the province, Mashhad, is the second largest city in Iran.

As noted during the meeting, the trade turnover between Tatarstan and Iran increased 1.6 times in 2016. According to Minnikhanov, it is important to use all opportunities to increase the volume of mutual trade.

He also stressed the importance of cooperation in the field of science and education. 

Tatarstan President expressed his confidence that the current visit of the Iranian delegation to Kazan will contribute to further development of Tatarstan-Iran ties towards strengthening relations between Russia and Iran.