National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Khalk Maslakhaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov met with Rais of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov. The meeting took place in the Kazan Kremlin on Friday, May 16.

Before the meeting, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov had a telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Rustam Minnikhanov thanked Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov for participating in the 16th Kazan Forum, as well as for his great attention to the development of cooperation with Tatarstan. "Our fraternal peoples are connected by deep historical spiritual and cultural ties and fruitful trade and economic relations. Please accept my deep gratitude for your support and special attention to the development of Tatarstan-Turkmenistan cooperation aimed at strengthening relations between our countries,” the Rais of the Republic said.

He noted that the relations between Tatarstan and Turkmenistan have a long history. Leading Tatarstan enterprises have been successfully operating in Turkmenistan for many years.

Berdimuhamedov and Minnikhanov discussed prospects for expanding economic cooperation. In particular, they noted the potential for developing ties in such areas as oil exploration and production, mechanical engineering, energy, pharmaceuticals and medicine, the agro-industrial complex, etc.

The Rais of Tatarstan also emphasized the importance of further developing cooperation in the fields of culture, tourism, sports, science and education. Today, almost 8.5 thousand Turkmen students study at universities in Tatarstan. Rustam Minnikhanov said that a crafts center is being built in Kazan and suggested that Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov introduce Turkmen craftsmen there.

Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov thanked for the warm welcome. He highly appreciated the prospects for expanding cooperation and establishing business and partnership ties with Tatarstan.

Also, in the Kazan Kremlin, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov met with State Counselor of Tatarstan Mintimer Shaimiev.

In addition, Rustam Minnikhanov and Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov inspected the new building of the G. Kamal Theater, according to the website of the Rais of the Republic.

ORIENT