Minnihanov met with diplomats from 11 countries at the Kazan Kremlin.

      Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov held a meeting with a delegation of diplomatic missions from foreign countries in Russia. The negotiations took place in the Kazan Kremlin. This was reported by the press service of the Republic's President. The meeting included representatives from the embassies of China and ten Southeast Asian countries: Brunei, Vietnam, Indonesia, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, and the Philippines. Minnikhanov thanked the Russian Foreign Ministry for organizing the visit. He emphasized the importance of international cooperation for regional development. The President of Tatarstan noted that Russia has always conducted and will continue to conduct a balanced and constructive foreign policy course, taking into account national interests and objective trends in global development. Despite all difficulties, the country is set to maintain open and mutually beneficial relations with all partners. The priority areas of the republic's economy remain oil refining, petrochemicals, machine engineering, agriculture, and the IT sector. Tatarstan is focused on expanding exports, strengthening the positions of regional brands, and attracting investments. The republic produces competitive products that are in demand far beyond Russia's borders. Minnikhanov paid special attention to cooperation with countries of the Islamic world. The republic participates in international projects and forums, develops Islamic banking, and cultural initiatives. By the country's leadership's instruction, Minnikhanov heads the Strategic Vision Group "Russia – Islamic World." Tatarstan is a pilot region for implementing the principles of Islamic banking in Russia. This year, Kazan received the status of the cultural capital of the Islamic world. Minnikhanov invited guests to major international events, including the economic forum "Russia – Islamic World: KazanForum," the Russian-Chinese cooperation forum "ROSTKI," the forum "TIME: Tatarstan–India. Mutual Efficiency," the Global Youth Summit, and Kazan Digital Week. In 2024, Kazan hosted the BRICS summit, attended by leaders and delegations from 36 countries and six international organizations. Minnikhanov noted that ten consulates of foreign countries operate in the republic and proposed considering the possibility of expanding diplomatic presence in Kazan. The foreign trade turnover of Tatarstan last year amounted to 14.5 billion dollars, with China remaining one of the key partners, accounting for over 3.3 billion dollars. Connections with Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and other countries in the region are also actively developing. Minnikhanov expressed gratitude for assistance in expanding trade and economic cooperation and support in organizing business missions, mutual visits, and forums. Representatives of the diplomatic missions outlined areas for cooperation. The Ambassador of the Philippines, Igor Garlit Baylen, noted Tatarstan's potential in trade, agriculture, education, halal industry, and sports, stating that everyone is ready to work with the republic. The Ambassador of Indonesia, Jose Antonio Morato Tavares, reported a high level of educational interaction and potential for expanding economic ties. The Ambassador of Vietnam, Dang Minh Khoi, emphasized the importance of direct air communication with Kazan for tourism and business contacts. The Minister-Counselor of the Chinese Embassy, Tang Guocan, stated that interregional cooperation between Russia and China is actively developing at the leadership level. The Ambassador of Cambodia, Panya Pichkhun, noted existing business contacts with Tatarstan enterprises. The Ambassador of Malaysia, Cheong Lun Lai, emphasized the significance of joint work within the Strategic Vision Group "Russia – Islamic World."

      Photo: press service of the President of Tatarstan.