Rustam Minnikhanov: Tatarstan appreciates relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran as part of Russian-Iranian cooperation

On June 21, in the Government House, at his meeting with Ambassador of the Republic of Iran in Russia Mehdi Sanai, Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov said that Tatarstan appreciates the relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran as part of Russian-Iranian cooperation.

At the beginning of the meeting, Minnikhanov noted a good play of the Iranian national team during the FIFA World Cup in the yesterday's match between Iran and Spain, which was held at the Kazan Arena stadium.

Minnikhanov noted that Russian-Iranian relations are developing in all areas, and it is also important to be proactive at the interregional level.

A rich culture, historical roots and centuries-old traditions allow us to develop and strengthen our relations with Iran, Minnikhanov said. He reminded that he has visited Iran many times, and has always had the most pleasant impressions from visits. For example, in April 2017,  Minnikhanov visited the city of Mashhad, the country’s huge tourist centre and a region with a long history.

For more than 10 years, the Consulate General of Iran has been operating in Kazan, Minnikhanov also reminded. Moreover, Tatarstan as a Russian region has interregional ties with two provinces of Iran - Khorasan-Razavi and East Azerbaijan.

"The level of our economic ties is low so far," Minnikhanov said. “We need to intensify work. Much work is done on the interaction with Islamic countries as part of the Russia-Islamic World Strategic Vision Group. We are also looking closely at the use of Islamic banking tools, and the halal lifestyle is an actual topic as well,” he continued.

Tatarstan President said that the Bolgar Islamic Academy, where Islamic theologians are trained, was set up in the republic. We will seek your consultations and experience, because much has been lost recently in terms of ​​religious education, he told the Iranian Ambassador.

Minnikhanov suggested that Iranian businessmen should consider the possibility of entering the Russian market. According to him, there are many goods in Iran that are in demand in Russia, therefore the business will be successful.

In his turn, Mehdi Sanai thanked Minnikhanov for the warm welcome extended to the Iranian delegation in Kazan. He also stressed that Tatarstan and Iran have friendly relations, businessmen are in contact. For example, cooperation has been established in the sphere of education, with about 250 students from Iran currently studying in Tatarstan universities. There is good dynamics to increase the number of students, he added. 

Minnikhanov and Sanai agreed to develop and strengthen relations between Tatarstan and Iran at the interregional level, to develop business partnership, including through the Chamber of Commerce and Industry.