Rustam Minnikhanov, Rais of the Republic of Tatarstan, held a meeting in the Kazan Kremlin with Assimi Goïta, Transitional President of the Republic of Mali, who is on an official visit to Russia. Earlier, Goïta had met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow.
Minnikhanov welcomed Goïta to Kazan and thanked him for his interest in cooperation with Tatarstan:
“During your stay, you’ll have the chance to become more familiar with our republic’s capabilities, its history, culture, and traditions. We, in turn, will ensure your visit is both fruitful and engaging,” he said.
He emphasized the rapid economic growth across Africa in recent years and noted the importance of Russia’s relations with the continent.
“For Russia, Africa is a key political and economic partner. Our two countries share close positions on many issues, including the formation of a multipolar world, global security, and the fight against terrorism. There’s strong potential for collaboration in mineral exploration, infrastructure, energy, agriculture, fisheries, and humanitarian exchanges.”
Minnikhanov pointed to opportunities in trade and economic ties between Tatarstan and Mali. He noted that African markets are already familiar with Kazan-produced Mi-series helicopters and KAMAZ trucks, known for their Dakar Rally victories.
“There is real promise in mechanical engineering, food processing, agriculture, and innovation,” he added.
He also mentioned the project by the company “Yadran,” which recently laid the cornerstone for a gold refinery in Mali, as an example of practical cooperation.
The Tatarstan leader invited Mali to take part in next year’s Russia–Islamic World: KazanForum, noting that this year’s event attracted over 22,500 participants from 96 countries.
“Tatarstan is strengthening ties with Islamic nations. Kazan has been named the cultural capital of the Islamic world for 2026. We’re also pioneering Islamic banking and finance in Russia, and developing the halal industry,” Minnikhanov noted. He also mentioned his leadership of the Group of Strategic Vision “Russia–Islamic World”, created at the initiative of President Putin in 2014.
He stressed the importance of humanitarian exchanges — in education, culture, sports, and tourism.
“Over 22,000 international students study at Tatarstan’s universities today, including 35 from Mali. We’d be happy to see more join them.”
In response, President Goïta expressed gratitude for the warm welcome: “After meeting with President Putin in Moscow, I want to thank Russia for its support. Our nations have a long-standing relationship. Since 2022, we’ve been deepening cooperation in areas like trade, mining, energy, transport, education, science, and the fight against terrorism.”
He praised Tatarstan’s economic potential and expressed interest in expanding ties with companies like KAMAZ: “Tatarstan is one of Russia’s leading regions, and we’re eager to build more partnerships. The Yadran project is just the beginning.”
The two leaders also met with Malian students studying in Kazan following their official talks.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: official website of the Rais RT
Based on materials from the Press Service of the Rais RT