Tatarstan’s role in strengthening Russia-China cooperation highlighted at BRICS summit

The ongoing development of Russia-China relations is poised to create more opportunities for cooperation at sub-national levels, according to Rustam Minnikhanov, the head of Russia’s Republic of Tatarstan.

In a recent interview with Xinhua, he discussed the significance of the 16th BRICS summit being held in Kazan, the capital of Tatarstan, as a platform for showcasing the region’s strengths and competitive advantages.

Minnikhanov emphasized that the summit provides Tatarstan with an opportunity to demonstrate its potential contributions to enhancing Russia-China ties.

He noted that Tatarstan is actively involved in advancing cooperation with China, having signed agreements with multiple Chinese provinces and established sister-city relationships with several cities across China.

Highlighting the region’s burgeoning trade with China, Minnikhanov revealed that by the end of last year, trade turnover had doubled to over $3 billion, with approximately 60% of Tatarstan’s imports originating from China.

“Trade and economic relations are crucial.

Our growing trade and plans are primarily focused on Eastern countries, especially China,” he stated.

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He also pointed to ongoing joint economic projects with Chinese companies in Tatarstan, particularly in the logistics sector, as areas ripe for further cooperation.

In line with the Belt and Road Initiative and its integration with the Eurasian Economic Union, efforts are underway to establish international transport and logistics corridors.

Minnikhanov noted the recent inauguration of the M-12 Moscow-Kazan expressway, which is part of the Europe-China transport route, and the commencement of direct flights between Kazan and Shanghai in late September.

He expressed Tatarstan’s commitment to fostering humanitarian, cultural, scientific, educational, and tourism exchanges with China.

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“I am confident that the BRICS summit in Kazan will be successful at a high level,” Minnikhanov concluded.