Rustam Minnikhanov takes part in the second meeting of the intergovernmental Russian-Mali commission for trade, economic, scientific and technical cooperation

On 16 May the Rais (Head) of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov took part in the second meeting of the intergovernmental Russian-Mali commission for trade, economic, scientific and technical cooperation held by the Chairman of the Commission, the Russian Minister of Energy Sergey Tsivilev in the Kazan City Hall.

In his opening speech Sergey Tsivilev said that today Mali is one of priority partners of Russia in Africa. “This has been confirmed many times at joint meetings and at the highest level between leaders of our countries. We are committed to further active engagement. This work is important not only for our countries but also for the Sahel Alliance and other Central African states. We welcome the commitment to strengthening reliable and privileged relations with Moscow. Your visit to Russia is an indicator of high trust, friendship and the desire to develop these relations,” he said and on behalf of himself and on behalf of the Russian President expressed condolences on the occasions of tragedies and terrorist attacks that have occurred recently in Mali and on the occasion of the death of the Minister of Defense of Mali and member of his family.

The Russian Minister also informed about large work being done in the sphere of the development of Russia-Mali relations and constructive interaction in the UN and other international platforms.

In his turn the Mali Minister of Economy and Finances Alusseni Sanou, who is the Chairman of the Mali part of the Commission, expressed gratitude to the leadership of Russia and Tatarstan for a warm welcome of the Mali delegation. “This reflects deep friendship which exists between us today. Our relations are built of the mutual respect and clear principles,” he said.

In his welcoming speech, Rustam Minnikhanov reminded that the meeting of the Commission is taking place during the days of the XVII International Economic Forum “Russia-the Islamic world: KazanForum” and said: “I am sure that today’s meeting will be fruitful. You have already discussed many issues in the narrow format. This will become an important step in strengthening relations between Russia and Mali.”

The Rais of the republic thanked Sergey Tsivilev and Alusseni Sanou for giving an opportunity to Tatarstan to take part in events of the intergovernmental Commission and reminded:” Last year, we hosted the President of the Transitional Period of the Republic of Mali, Mr. Assimi Goita, in Kazan. “

He also informed about promising spheres of trade and economic cooperation with Mali, about work of the Strategic Vision Group “Russia-the Islamic world” which he is the Head of on the errand of the Russian President and work of Tatarstan with Islamic countries, including introduction of Islamic banking and Halal products.

Rustam Minnikhanov also informed about annual international events such as the International Energy Forum Energoprom, the Kazan Digital Week and the Oil and Gas Forum held in Kazan and added that another important area is interaction in the field of science and education.

In the end of the meeting Sergey Tsivilev and Alusseni Sanou signed the resulting protocol of the second meeting of the intergovernmental Russian-Mali commission for trade, economic, scientific and technical cooperation.