Official opening of the Finland visa centre was held today in Kazan with participation of Tatarstan PM Ildar Khalikov, Ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary of Finland to Russia Matti Anttonen and Mayor of Kazan Ilsur Metshin.

“It is a historical day for us. Tatarstan and Finland have become closer to each other. Yesterday we could not imagine execution of documents for visiting our long-standing neighbor from times of Volga Bulgaria without going to Moscow. Tatarstan has special relationships with this state. It is pleasant that group of companies involved in petrochemical complex and construction industry have close relations with Finland. I am sure many Tatarstan residents will wish to learn more about this country”, the Premier said addressing guests.

Opening of a visa centre in Kazan was discussed last autumn at the meeting between President of Finland Tarja Halonen and Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov, Matti Anttonen marked. “I suppose it was the right decision because relations between Finland and Russia, Tatarstan are developing intensively. This year we are going to issue about 1 mln 200 thousand visas in Russia”, he said.

The Finland embassy started receiving visa applications via joint visa centre in Kazan on June 17. Since that time Tatarstan residents have been issued 500 visas. By words of manager of Kazan visa centre Alsu Bureeva an official opening ceremony was held later than it started working, because the Ambassador wished to visit Kazan personally and announce the opening.

There is no considerable difference for an applicant between Kazan and Moscow visa centres as regards submission of application and rendered services. Short waiting period and comfortable conditions are guaranteed in Kazan centre as well as in Moscow.