Post #29409

🇷🇺The State Protocol Department of the Russian Foreign Ministry: From April 16 to 19, at the invitation of Rais (Head) of the Republic of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov, the Region received a delegation of heads of foreign diplomatic missions on a working visit. Organised with the assistance of the State Protocol Department of the Russian Foreign Ministry, the visit brought together ambassadors and senior diplomats from Brunei, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. On April 17, the distinguished foreign guests were received by Rustam Minnikhanov at the Kazan Kremlin. The Head of Tatarstan noted that international cooperation remains an important factor in ensuring sustainable development. Rustam Minnikhanov underscored the Region’s openness to foreign investment and the expansion of external economic ties, including in such priority sectors for Tatarstan as mechanical engineering, oil refining, petrochemicals, IT, agriculture and others. The Sides discussed prospects for deepening Tatarstan’s cooperation with China and #ASEAN countries in tourism, humanitarian affairs, culture and education. As part of the visit’s substantial business programme, the delegation took part in a round table at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Republic of Tatarstan with business representatives, and held meetings at the Investment Development Agency, Innopolis and Tatarstan's IT Park. The diplomats also visited the eastern part of the Republic, where they learned about the operations of the KAMAZ automobile plant in Naberezhnye Chelny and the Alabuga Special Economic Zone, whose multi-level technical personnel training system made a particular impression on the guests. In addition, the ambassadors held an informal meeting with the leadership and students of Kazan Federal University – one of the oldest universities in Russia – where a significant number of international students study, including from the Asia-Pacific Region. Prospects for humanitarian, cultural and sports exchanges were also discussed during visits to the new building of the Galiaskar Kamal Tatar State Academic Theatre and Ak Bars Arena stadium. Following the business trip, the heads of foreign diplomatic missions highlighted Tatarstan's innovative development model, its active external economic engagement and the broad opportunities for further cooperation, while also expressing gratitude for the warm welcome. 🤝 The visit confirmed the steady interest of Southeast Asian countries and China in Tatarstan – Russia's Region with strong economic and educational potential, capable of serving as an effective platform for developing practical international cooperation.