The Rais of Tatarstan: Qatar is Russia’s most important partner in the Middle East

On August 30, speaking at a meeting with the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the State of Qatar to the Russian Federation Sheikh Ahmed bin Nasser bin Jasim Al Thani held at the Kazan Equestrian Complex, the Rais (Head) of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov said relations between Russia and Qatar are developing steadily. “Qatar is Russia's most important partner in the Middle East region. Trade, economic, cultural, humanitarian, scientific and technical cooperation is developing,” the Rais of the republic said. He emphasized that at its level Tatarstan contributs to strengthening Russian-Qatari relations. “The Qatari delegation regularly participates in the International Economic Forum Russia-Islamic World: KazanForum. In June, Minister of Education and Higher Education of the State of Qatar Buthaina bint Ali Al Jabr Al Nuaimi visited Kazan to participate in the International Forum of Ministers of Education “Shaping the Future”, Rustam Minnikhanov said. He noted that Russia attaches great importance to interaction with the Islamic world. Rustam Minnikhanov spoke about the work of the Russia-Islamic World Strategic Vision Group, as well as large-scale celebrations in honor of the 1100th anniversary of the adoption of Islam by the Volga Bulgaria.

He also emphasized the importance of cooperation in scientific and educational, cultural and tourism areas. The Rais of Tatarstan asked to convey the warmest greetings to the Emir of Qatar for personal attention to the development of Tatarstan-Qatari relations.

The Ambassador congratulated Rustam Minnikhanov on the Day of the Republic and expressed interest in developing cooperation in the sphere of education and tourism. He also added that Qatar is ready to share experience in the field of Islamic banking, which is being introduced in Tatarstan.