Rustam Minnikhanov: Tatarstan and Astrakhan region have great potential for developing cooperation

On May 12, during his working visit to Astrakhan, Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov had a meeting with Governor of the Astrakhan region Alexander Zhilkin.

Welcoming the Governor, Minnikhanov thanked Zhilkin for organizing Sabantuy, which helds in Astrakhan. He reminded that in 2008 the Astrakhan region had already hosted the 8th Federal Sabantuy. "Thank you for supporting the initiative of this great event. This year, Sabantuy is celebrated in 59 regions of our country and 32 countries around the world. I am sure that the holiday will be held at a high level," Tatarstan President said.

Minnikhanov also expressed his gratitude for supporting local Tatars and creating conditions for the preservation and development of their culture and traditions. He noted that today there are 60,000 Tatars living in the region, more than 90 mosques are functioning. "Your support of the Tatar culture, language, traditions, Tatar public organizations contribute to the strengthening of friendship between our regions," Tatarstan President pointed out.

Tatarstan and the Astrakhan region have great potential for developing trade and economic cooperation, Minnikhanov said. The volume of trade turnover between the regions has made more than 300 million roubles recently. Tatarstan supplies synthetic rubbers, trucks and cars, fuel oil, various food products to Astrakhan. Astrakhan region provides the republic with gasoline, diesel fuel, salt, machine tools, as well as fish and fish products.

"Apart from trade and economic ties, we need to intensify our cooperation in the sphere of high technologies, education, culture, tourism and sports," he added.

In his turn, Zhilkin noted that the relationship between Tatarstan and the Astrakhan region has deep historical roots. Today, the regions are actively cooperating, both in the economic and humanitarian spheres, he said.