Mintimer Shaimiev meets Consul General of Turkey in Kazan Ismet Erikan

On 11 July in the Kazan Kremlin Tatarstan State Counselor Mintimer Shaimiev had a meeting with Consul General of Turkey in Kazan Ismet Erikan - the 12th Consul General of Turkey since the Turkish Consulate was open in Kazan in 1996 and who is completing his diplomatic work in Tatarstan.

Speaking at the meeting, Ismet Erikan stated that the position of the Consul General in Kazan was one of the most important in his life and thanked Mintimer Shaimiev for the support given to the work of the consulate.

“We have always felt your attention and support in solving our tasks. We know very well what your role is and what your personality means for the social-economic and cultural life of Russia and Tatarstan. Our leaders and Turkish people have the greatest respect for you. Everybody knows that thanks to you Tatarstan-Turkey relations are developing on a solid foundation.  We highly appreciate your personal contribution into opening of the General Consulate in 1996 and the construction of its new building”, the Turkish Consul General said.

“During these four years which were not most simple for us we did a lot of good together. I would like to particularly mention that during the earthquake in Turkey we immediately felt huge support from people of Tatarstan who brought 100tonnes of humanitarian aid to our Consulate,” he informed.

In his turn Mintimer Shaimiev thanked Ismet Erikan for his manifold successive work in Tatarstan and a great personal contribution into the development of Russian-Turkish relations and wished him success in his future activities.

During their conversation the parties also touched upon the most important joint events in the last years, some problems of preservation of cultural and historical heritage of Turkic people and main spheres of cooperation in science and education.