Opening the meeting, Rustam Minnikhanov noted the progressive development of the Russian-Uzbek dialogue and thanked the leadership of Uzbekistan for their attention to strengthening bilateral ties with Tatarstan. According to him, last year alone the trade turnover between the parties exceeded 376 million dollars.
"Cooperation covers a wide range of areas, from industrial cooperation to humanitarian initiatives. There is a representative office of Tatarstan in Uzbekistan, and the Consulate General of Uzbekistan operates in Kazan. We are actively cooperating with the regions of the republic, and flights to Tashkent, Samarkand and Fergana have been established," said Rustam Minnikhanov.
He also noted the contribution of large Tatarstan companies: KAMAZ PJSC supplies machinery, as well as develops an auto center and an assembly site in Uzbekistan. Joint technoparks are successfully operating in Chirchik and Jizzakh, and a branch of KFU and a Center for Simulation Medicine have been opened in the latter, Kazanfirst reports.
Special attention is paid to industrial projects in Bukhara and Navoi regions. Minnikhanov called the work within the framework of the Russia-Islamic World Strategic Vision Group, which he heads on behalf of the President of the Russian Federation, an important element of cooperation.
"We attach great importance to contacts in culture, education, and sports. Today, about 2,700 students from Uzbekistan study at universities in Tatarstan. There is a national cultural autonomy, and a Sabantuy is held annually in Tashkent. Special thanks for the support of the Tatar diaspora, which numbers more than 300,000 people," the Rais of the republic added.
Olimjon Abdullayev, in response, expressed gratitude for the warm welcome and highly appreciated the openness and businesslike attitude of his Kazan colleagues.:
"We feel at home in Tatarstan. This visit will be another important step towards building trust and deepening partnership," he said.
The parties discussed prospects for expanding trade, economic and humanitarian ties, cooperation in mechanical engineering, petro chemistry and advanced technologies.
