Rustam Minnikhanov: Tatarstan and Tyva have great opportunities to develop their cooperation

On July 1, at his meeting with Acting Head of the Republic of Tyva Sholban Kara-ool during his working visit to Tyva, Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov said that Tatarstan and Tyva have great opportunities to develop their cooperation.

Welcoming the Tatarstan delegation, Sholban Kara-ool noted that the Republic of Tyva is interested in expanding cooperation with Tatarstan. "Our region has not realized its potential in full. Tatarstan, in its turn, holds leading positions in a number of areas. The republic is widely known for its developed petrochemical and oil industries, agriculture, machine-building sector,” he continued.  

Mr. Kara-ool addressed his request to Tatarstan President to assist in establishing an air hub between Kyzyl and Kazan. “Direct flights would solve a number of problems related to the territorial remoteness of Tyva and contribute to more fruitful development of trade and economic cooperation with Tatarstan,” he added.

Minnikhanov thanked Sholban Kara-ool for the excellent organization of the visit of Tatarstan delegation to Tyva. “We are visiting your region with great interest. It outstands with its unique nature and culture,” Tatarstan President said.

Rustam Minnikhanov noted that Tyva as well as Tatarstan is a multinational republic. “Our regions have much in common: Tuvinians and Tatars belong to a Turkic ethnic group of peoples, their languages ​​and some national traditions are similar,” he added.

Tatarstan President said that besides mining and agriculture, tourism is of great importance in the economic development of Tyva. He added that during their recent working visit to Khakassia Tatarstan delegation took part in the international forum "Historical and cultural heritage as a resource for social and cultural development." “I am sure that your region with its richest wildlife areas will be able to fully develop its potential,” Minnikhanov said.

“Tatarstan has gained wide experience in the infrastructure development and work with investors. We could share our experience with Tuvinian colleagues,” he said.

Rustam Minnikhanov admitted that trade and economic relations between the two regions need serious development (in 2014 the trade turnover amounted to 6.5 mln. roubles). He agreed with Sholban Kara-ool that representatives of Tatarstan and Tyva businesses should meet more often to organize joint activities.

Among perspective areas of cooperation Tatarstan President highlighted culture, tourism and education.

"I am sure that our meeting in Tyva will contribute to the expansion of cooperation," Minnikhanov said.

Tatarstan President's Press Office, Bulat Nizameev