Mintimer Shaimiev: We will aim at the widest cooperation with Shandong

Tatarstan President Mintimer Shaimiev met with the delegation of Shandong province, China at Kazan Kremlin on May 16. The delegation is headed by Vice-Governor of the province Wang Renyuan.

“I am very glad to greet such a respectable delegation of the great country. First of all I’d like to present condolence personally and on behalf of the multinational people of our republic, on behalf of Tatarstan Government and State Council in connection with the quake at Sichuan province,” Tatarstan President said.

“We attentively follow carrying out of rescue works,” Mintimer Shaimiev said. He reminded that a similar tragedy happened in Spitak, Armenia in 1988. Unfortunately nature does not depend on people. The most important thing in such situations is to do all possible for victims.

“We admire development of People’s Republic of China. I don’t know if you expected such a rapid development, but the world seems not to. I think that historical potential of your nation is being revealed at present. You occupy more and more significant place in the world,” the head of the republic stated.

According to his words, the head of People’s Republic of China Hu Jintao visited Kazan as a part of his official visit to the Russian Federation. He expressed wish that Shandong province and Tatarstan developed cooperation.

“Nevertheless, there are certain unsolved problems in our relations. They are connected with the project of joint Great Wall car manufacture in Yelabuga town. This issues still remains open. I’d like to point out that Tatarstan Government supports this project,” Mintimer Shaimiev underlined.

According to Tatarstan President’s words, cooperation with one of leading Chinese provinces is very attractive for Tatarstan. Mintimer Shaimiev expressed hope that Shandong delegation managed to get familiarized with potential of Tatarstan. Our regions are alike in such fields as power engineering, machine building, agriculture, science and education.

“If Tatarstan is interesting for you we will aim at the widest and deepest cooperation,” Mintimer Shaimiev emphasized.

Agreement on trade-economic and scientific-technical cooperation between Tatarstan Government and Government of Shandong province was signed on Thursday May 15. Tatarstan Prime Minister Rustam Minnikhanov and the first Vice-Governor of Shandong province Wang Renyuan signed the document.

The head of Tatarstan paid particular attention to the issue of Kazan’s participation in the bid for the Universiade-2013. It’s important time for Tatarstan capital: FISU evaluation commission is visiting Kazan.

“We know that Chinese side support Kazan,” Mintimer Shaimiev emphasized.