The International Scientific and Practical Conference “External Relations of Russian Regions. Tatarstan’s Experience” was opened

On November 2, at the Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Tatarstan in Kazan, Chairman of the regional State Council Farid Mukhametshin, Chief of Staff of Tatarstan President’s Administration Asgat Safarov, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia Mikhail Bagdanov, President of the Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Tatarstan Myakzyum Salakhov and other federal and regional officials took part in the International Scientific and Practical Conference “External Relations of Russian Regions. Tatarstan’s Experience”, which is timed to coincide with the 25th anniversary since Tatarstan has initiated official foreign contacts.

Mukhametshin read out Tatarstan President’s greetings to the participants of the conference. In particular, Minnikhanov stressed that the international foreign economic relations of Russian regions are the guarantee of the dynamic development of the country. According to him, in an open and competitive world, one must be prepared to jointly respond to global challenges. "Despite a difficult political situation in the world and global market volatility, we are full of confidence in the future, feeling ourselves part of a multinational state," he said.

"Tatarstan joined the international integration processes in the early 90s. It was a new experience for Russian regions. Federal authorities and especially the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia supported us in establishing an effective regional system. International economic cooperation, exchange of technologies, cultural contacts between the regions have become not only a widespread practice, but also an important condition for the country's territorial development,” Tatarstan President stated.

He continued that Tatarstan focuses on the formation of investment and production infrastructure facilities, supports joint projects. "Kazan is increasingly becoming a place for discussing issues related to business and humanitarian cooperation, a venue for holding major international events," Minnikhanov noted and wished the conference participants fruitful work, exchange of experience, knowledge and ideas.

Speaking at the event, Chairman of the International Affairs Committee of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation Konstantin Kosachev emphasized that Tatarstan's experience in establishing international relations will be useful at the federal level.

The speaker noted that the interaction between Russian regions and other countries is the most relevant today given the current tense international situation.

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia Sergey Lavrov also sent his greetings. In particular, he said that it is a matter of priority for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia to contribute to increasing international and foreign economic exchanges between Russian regions in line with the common foreign policy of the country, adding that the federal ministry appreciates ​​its interaction with Tatarstan authorities aimed to improve its external relations.