Exclusive interview of Consul General of the Republic of Turkey in Kazan Ahmet Ergin to the RT official server

Consul General of the Republic of Turkey in Kazan Ahmet Ergin answered the question of the editorial staff of the official server of the Republic of Tatarstan about the most important events in Tatarstan-Turkey relations over last 2 years in which the Consulate General took part.

First of all I would like to emphasize that in 2008 the Republic of Turkey was first among Tatarstan’s foreign trade partners in terms of commodity turnover which made almost $3 bln (8% of Russia-Turkey turnover). Turkey is also first in terms of commercial organizations with a share of foreign capital registered in the Russian Federation.

For the first time in history President of the Republic of Turkey Abdullah Gul and his spouse visited Tatarstan as part of his state visit to the Russian Federation. In the framework of the visit of the Turkish President in Kazan a representative Tatarstan-Turkish business forum was held.

2008 was also the Year of Culture of Turkey in Russia. The most eventful programme was prepared for Kazan. There were concerts of the ensemble Turkic World, Taksim Trio, rock band Kurban, pianist Gulsin Onay and military orchestra Mehter. Kazan also hosted an exhibition of national marbling art ebru and the Turkish Film Festival.

In 2008-2009, a number of bilateral visits of the delegation of Turkey to Tatarstan (mainly in the economic and health spheres) took place. The first visit of Turkish Ambassador to Russia Halil Akinci to Russian regions after taking the office was to Tatarstan which demonstrates the importance Turkey attaches to the development of bilateral relations. Turkish Minister of Health Recep Akdağ is expected to visit Tatarstan in 2009.

In conclusion I would like to underline that cooperation of Turkey and Tatarstan is multi-faceted including economy, culture, science, education, tourism and other spheres.