New stage of relations between Tatarstan and Germany

“As for Russia many Europeans believe the father to the east the more difficult to build relations. Kazan is situated a thousand kilometers from Moscow to the east, but as for the issues of federalism it is much closer to the west than Moscow”, Chairman of the Committee on International Affairs of the German Parliament Volker Ruehe came at this conclusion after the meeting with President of Tatarstan Mintimer Shaimiev in the Kazan Kremlin on January 22. The interlocutors shared their opinions on many questions raised at the meeting.

I believe that a strong Russia does not depend on the strong centre, it will be strong when its regions are strong, Volker Ruehe said. Supporting evidence of it is Germany. Therefore I think that what is going on in Tatarstan now is of importance for Tatarstan itself and for all Russia, and for development of relations between Europe and Russia. The prerequisites for broader relationship of Germany and Russia are created here.

Further development of bilateral relations was discussed at the meeting, but according to Mr. Ruehe, the point was not about specific economic projects because those questions are not for politicians to decided but for enterprises and companies ensuring intensive development of economic relations. At the same time he marked that the existing favourable conditions make for German companies invest into economy of the republic. Among the favourable conditions there is a high level of education – people are connected through the internet with the word, people of various nationalities co-exist peacefully in the republic. These are very favourable prerequisites for attracting foreign companies for the most important is not a land but people living here.