I extend my cordial greetings to the organizers, participants and guests of the International Forum “SPROUTS: Russia and China - mutually beneficial cooperation”, which is being held for the second time in hospitable Kazan.
I am pleased to note that the leadership of the Republic of Tatarstan is doing a lot to develop cooperation with China. There are a number of partnership agreements with cities and provinces of China, many joint projects are being implemented, humanitarian exchanges are being promoted. The Council for Interregional Cooperation in the Volga-Yangtze format, which unites the entities of the Volga Federal District and the upper and middle reaches of the Yangtze River, has also proved itself well.
This year we celebrate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of Russian-Chinese diplomatic relations. Moscow and Beijing have approached this significant date with the highest level of strategic partnership. Our mutually beneficial cooperation continues to deepen progressively in all areas, contributing to the formation of a fairer multipolar world order. The mutual commitment to its expansion was reaffirmed during the recent meeting of the leaders of Russia and China on the margins of the BRICS summit in Kazan.
The SPROUTS Forum organized by the Tatarstan Investment Development Agency also contributes to the common efforts. The work within its framework creates additional opportunities for finding new interaction points for regions and businesses of the two countries.
I am convinced that your current meeting will contribute to further unlocking of Tatarstan's potential, popularization of the positive experience of international cooperation of the Republic, and will also contribute to strengthening the atmosphere of friendship and trust between our peoples.
I wish you fruitful discussions and all the best.