Rustam Minnikhanov: “Kazansummit demonstrates our readiness for communication with Islamic world”

On June 5, speaking at the strategic forum “Russia and OIC countries: interaction of investors, business, and authorities in solving problems of strategic safety” during Kazansummit forum, Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov said that the forum helps demonstrating investment potential of Russian regions, openness and readiness for communication, and establishing cooperation between Russia and Islamic countries.

“I am glad that annual meetings have become traditional for many people present here today,” Rustam Minnikhanov noted.

Tatarstan President said that Islamic world is a keeper of huge natural, labour and spiritual resources. Development of relations with Islamic states is one of priority activities of Russia’s foreign policy.

Main topic discussed at the forum is food safety of OIC countries.

Speaking about Tatarstan agriculture, Rustam Minnikhanov told that 1 million people live in rural areas, there are 15, 000 agricultural organizatons and 410,000 private households. In 2013, gross output of agricultural industry made 160 billion roubles. Speaking about success factors of Tatarstan agriculture Rustam Minnikhanov mentioned efficient use of cultivated land, livestock and poultry, optimization of costs at the expense of new technologies, increase of business activity in rural areas, and investments into technical modernization.

“I am sure that Kazansummit will facilitate consolidation of trade, investment, and food cooperation between Russia and Islamic world, and expansion of economic relations. Let me invite you to a constructive dialogue and wish efficient work and new prospective business contacts,” Rustam Minnikhanov said.
UAE Minister of Economy Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansoori noted deep strategic connection of OIC countries. He added that OIC countries enjoy wide foreign trade opportunities.

“We have said before about interest in development of political, economic and trade cooperation between UAE and Russia. Relations between our countries are rapidly developing and we focusing on further strengthening of our cooperation. Our economic relations reflect our political relations,” the Minister said.

Deputy Chairman of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation Ilyas Umakhanov conveyed greetings from Chairman of the Federation Council Valentina Matvienko. He noted great potential of Russia’s agriculture, and thanked Tatarstan leadership for organization of Kazansummit.
Participants of the forum expressed their opinions concerning food safety and solution of problems faced by OIC countries.

The agreement on cooperation between Tatarstan Government and X5 Retail Group was signed during the forum.