Rustam Minnikhanov receives a delegation from Zimbabwe in Kazan Kremlin

On 16 January in the Kazan Kremlin the Rais (Head) of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov had a meeting with a delegation from Zimbabwe, comprising members of the Government of the country and representatives of the Office of the President of Zimbabwe, which came on a working trip to the republic.

Welcoming guests, Rustam Minnikhanov stated that Zimbabwe is a reliable ally of Russia in Africa and the countries established strong bonds during the years of struggle of Zimbabweans for their independence.

“Leaders of our countries have reciprocal meetings, there is the Russia-Zimbabwe inter-governmental commission and our countries have one or close positions on most burning questions of the international agenda. We highly appreciate an opportunity of establishing cooperation of Tatarstan with your country within the framework of friendly Russia-Zimbabwe relations,” he said.

The Rais of Tatarstan also informed that last February he got an invitation from the President of Zimbabwe Emmerson Mnangagwa to visit the country.

Speaking about mutual trade turnover, Rustam Minnikhanov said that even though there was a substantial growth in 2023, the amount of trade decreased in 2024 even though the KAMAZ Automaker and Kazan Helicopter Plant delivered their products to Zimbabwe. “Our helicopters are delivered to many countries and in 2022 the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority signed contracts on purchasing various models of helicopters,” he added.

Having told about Tatarstan as one of the leading and industrially developed entities of Russia, the Rais of the republic said: “There is a huge potential for the development of ties with companies from your country in such spheres as energy, machine and car building and manufacture of their components, IT and other advanced technologies, medicine and pharmaceuticals."  He also emphasized that the republic is a big agricultural producer in Russia and added: “Many foreign companies participate in joint projects in our republic. We invite you to take part in the International Economic Forum Russia-the Islamic World in the coming May as I think it is a good platform for discussing issues of cooperation and implementation of joint projects and establishing business ties.”

“I am sure this visit will give an impetus to further development of our relations and I also think we should organize an exchange of business-delegations,” Rustam Minnikhanov concluded.

In his turn the Minister of Local Self-government and Public Works of Zimbabwe Daniel Garve thanked for the informative and well-organized programme for the delegation and passed regards from the President of Zimbabwe Emmerson Mnangagwa to his colleague Russian President Vladimir Putin.

“We understand that there are very warm relations between Russia and Zimbabwe. We can always feel the support of Russia, and leaders of our country got their education in the USSR.” he said and briefly introduced members of the delegation.

Daniel Garve also said that during their visit to Tatarstan they are planning to study and get acquainted with the agribusiness of the republic and work of the Agribusiness Park.

The Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Zimbabwe to Russia Mark Gray Marongwe also took part in the meeting.