Rustam Minnikhanov meets Tunisian Minister of Foreign Affairs Nabil Ammar

On July 27, a working meeting between the Rais (Head) of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov and Tunisian Minister of Foreign Affairs Nabil Ammar was held at the International Forum “Russia-Africa in the Expoforum Exhibition Center in Saint Petersburg, following which working groups in a number of areas of cooperation with Tunisia will be established. Minnikhanov emphasized that today Tunisia is an important partner of the Russian Federation.

“Our countries are united by common positions on the issue of resolving crisis, conflict phenomena in the world, a common approach to many international problems. We are grateful to the leadership of Russia and Tunisia for their attention to creating favorable conditions for expanding interregional cooperation. At its level, Tatarstan is ready to contribute to the development of business and cultural ties,” the Rais of Tatarstan said.

“We are interested in expanding exports of petrochemical and engineering products, including ships, car tires, compressors, pharmaceuticals and medical equipment, agricultural products to Tunisia, and also in counter-deliveries from Tunisia - food, fruits, vegetables, seafood, light industry products,” the Rais of Tatarstan said and continued: “We see the growth of Tatarstan-Tunisian trade turnover, which amounted to 12.6 million dollars last year. In the first quarter of the current year, it exceeded 20 million US dollars. Such indicators do not correspond to the existing opportunities, and joint work should be strengthened,” Minnikhanov suggested.

He also noted that contacts in the scientific and educational sphere are important. There are also good opportunities for cooperation in culture and tourism. The Rais of Tatarstan proposed to create working groups in a number of areas for close cooperation between Tatarstan and Tunisia.