Marat Zyabbarov took part in the meeting between Rustam Minnikhanov and Assimi Goita
Rustam Minnikhanov met with Assimi Goita, the President of the transitional period of the Republic of Mali. The meeting was held in the Kazan Kremlin. Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Tatarstan - Minister of Agriculture and Food of the Republic of Tatarstan Marat Zyabbarov also took part in it.
Assimi Goita is making an official visit to the Russian Federation. Earlier, he had a meeting with President Vladimir Putin.
Rustam Minnikhanov thanked Assimi Goita for her visit to Kazan and attention to cooperation with the republic. "During your stay in Tatarstan, you will be able to get to know the capabilities of our republic, its history, culture and traditions better. In turn, we will do everything necessary to ensure that your visit is interesting and fruitful," said Rais of Tatarstan.
He emphasized that in recent years the African continent has demonstrated impressive rates of economic growth. "For Russia, Africa is an important foreign policy and foreign economic partner, interaction with which in all areas requires more active development. In October of this year, we will celebrate the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. The positions of Russia and Mali are close on many issues, in particular, on the formation of a multipolar world order and international security, the fight against terrorism and other areas. Promising areas of cooperation are geological exploration, development of mineral resources, infrastructure development, energy, agriculture, fisheries, as well as humanitarian ties," the Rais of the Republic noted. Rustam Minnikhanov noted good opportunities for the development of trade and economic cooperation between Tatarstan and Mali. The Mi series helicopters, which are produced in Kazan, and Tatarstan KAMAZ trucks - multiple winners of the Dakar rally - are well known on the African market. "We believe that there are good prospects for working with Mali in the field of mechanical engineering, processing industries, agriculture and the innovative industry," said Rais Tatarstan.
Rustam Minnikhanov called cooperation through the Yadran company, which laid the first stone at the construction site of a refinery in Mali, promising.
He emphasized that the International Economic Forum "Russia - Islamic World: KazanForum" is an effective platform for developing business ties. This year, representatives from 96 countries took part in it, and the total number of participants exceeded 22.5 thousand. "We will be glad to see the delegation of Mali at KazanForum next year," Rustam Minnikhanov addressed the President.
Rais RT reported that Tatarstan is actively developing ties with Islamic states. Kazan received the status of the cultural capital of the Islamic world in 2026. The republic is a pilot region for the implementation of the principles of Islamic banking and financing in Russia. A lot of work is being done in the region to develop the halal industry. The Russia-Islamic World Strategic Vision Group, which Rustam Minnikhanov has headed since 2014 on behalf of the Russian President, is successfully operating.
The Rais of Tatarstan also focused on the possibilities of developing humanitarian contacts - in education, culture, tourism, sports, etc. Today, more than 22 thousand foreign students study at the republic's universities, including 35 Malians. "We will be glad to increase their number," Rustam Minnikhanov added.
Assimi Goita thanked for the warm welcome. "Earlier, we visited Moscow and met with the President of Russia. We are grateful to Vladimir Putin for supporting our country. Relations between our states have a rich history. Since 2022, we have been actively working to strengthen cooperation in many areas: expanding trade and economic ties, mining, energy, transport, education and science, in the field of countering terrorism," the President said.
He noted that the Republic of Mali is interested in developing ties with Tatarstan. "Your republic is one of the leading regions of Russia, with great economic potential. We are interested in cooperation with KAMAZ and other enterprises of Tatarstan. The beginning has already been made - the company "Yadran" will build a refinery in Mali. Other joint projects should also be developed," added Assimi Goita.
After the meeting, Rustam Minnikhanov and Assimi Goita met with students from Mali who are studying at universities in Tatarstan on the territory of the Kazan Kremlin.