Rustam Minnikhanov meets Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Russia Li Hui

On August 22, in the Kazan Kremlin, Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov had a meeting with Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Russia Li Hui, who arrived on a working visit in Kazan to take part in the opening of the Consulate General of China in Kazan.

Speaking at the meeting, Minnikhanov noted that the opening of the Consulate General of China in Kazan is an important and long-awaited event. According to him, the work of the Consulate General will greatly contribute to the further development of relations between Tatarstan and China in particular and the strengthening of relations between Russia and China in general.

Minnikhanov also stressed that Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping attach great importance to interaction at the regional level.

"This year and next have been declared years of interregional cooperation between Russia and China," Minnikhanov said. "This is a good opportunity for bolstering ties between regions and municipalities."

Moreover, Tatarstan President added that he visits China several times a year. In particular, he said that he is planning to visit Shandong and Guangdong, as well as the Tianjin Economic Zone this autumn.

"We are taking an active part in the Volga-Yangtze joint regional group and this is a good opportunity to intensify relations," Minnikhanov continued. According to him, the trade turnover between Tatarstan and China increased by more than 50 per cent last year, which demonstrates the growing interaction.

Speaking about the exchange of experience, Minnikhanov emphasized that as to establishing industrial sites, Tatarstan often draws on the experience of its Chinese partners.

There is a good potential for expanding cooperation with China in the field of education and science, Tatarstan President noted, adding that universities are collaborating. For example, 857 Chinese students are studying in Tatarstan.

I am sure that the work of the Consulate General will contribute to the enhanced Russian-Chinese cooperation, Minnikhanov said and wished the Consulate General of China all the best and successful work in Kazan.