Rustam Minnikhanov: We need to improve trade relations between Tatarstan and Tunisia
On November 11, at the Kazan Kremlin, Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov had a meeting with Ambassador of Tunisia Tarak ben Salem. Ambassador-at-Large of the Russian Foreign Ministry and Head of the Secretariat of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum Oleg Ozerov and representatives of Tatarstan ministries and departments took part in the meeting.
The delegation of Tunisia arrived in Kazan to take part in the International Scientific Forum "Russia - Africa", which is taking place at the Kazan Federal University these days.
Minnikhanov noted that Tunisia is the most important Russia’s partner. The leaders of Russia and Tunisia pay great attention to creating favourable conditions for expanding cooperation at the interregional level. “At its level, Tatarstan is ready to contribute to the development of business and cultural ties,” Tatarstan President said.
Minnikhanov reminded that he paid a working visit to Tunisia in 2018, during which he held a number of meetings with representatives of the country's top leadership, as well as took part in the forum with the participation of the business circles of Tatarstan and Tunisia.
Minnikhanov highly appreciated the prospects for the development of cooperation between Tatarstan and Tunisia. The republic is ready to expand export supplies of petrochemical and engineering products, automobile tires, compressors, pharmaceuticals and medical equipment, and agricultural products. In turn, Tatarstan is interested in deliveries of fruits, seafood, light industry goods and other items from Tunisia.
The level of trade relations between Tatarstan and Tunisia is still low and makes about 5 million US dollars. “This figure clearly does not correspond to available opportunities. We need to intensify our joint work, ” Tatarstan President stressed.
Tatarstan President went on to say that the possibility of holding the next meeting of the Russian-Tunisian intergovernmental commission in Kazan was considered this year. Minnikhanov suggested returning to this important issue after the epidemiological situation in the world is improved. Tatarstan will provide overall assistance in holding the meeting, he assured.
Tatarstan President said that the republic actively interacts with the Islamic world and the countries that are members of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. Much work is being done through the Russia-Islamic World Strategic Vision Group and as part of the Russia-Islamic World: KazanSummit Forum.
Minnikhanov also outlined good opportunities for cooperation in the scientific and educational sphere, in the field of culture, tourism and sports.
In his turn, Tarak ben Salem thanked the leadership of Tatarstan for their attention to Tunisia and interest in cooperation. The Ambassador expressed his readiness to provide overall assistance in the development of trade, economic and humanitarian relations.