Ilsur Metshin: "Kazan is a kind of micro model of Eurasian integration"

(Kazan City  KZN.RU, July 31, Zilya Gayfi). Today Kazan plays the role of a generator of Eurasian integration. The capital of Tatarstan is ready to share with its achievements in the field of economics and business, sports, education and science, culture and saving of the historical heritage of cities, management of municipalities and the establishment of twinning communications with other cities around the world. This opinion was expressed today during a Plenary Session of the Congress of Local Authorities of Eurasia by Mayor of Kazan Ilsur Metshin. He called the cities to focus on the experience of Kazan and involve in the process of Eurasian integration and global decision-making actively.

According Ilsur Metshin, the spirit of initiative, which Kazan is imbued with, is the basis for the successful integration of the city economically and culturally. "Kazan is a kind of micro model of Eurasian integration. Mutual respect of cultures, their peaceful coexistence, and the balance between them are not only the guarantee of stability, but also a resource for development. Kazan proved it on real experience. You can see the harmonious of combination of European and Oriental beginnings in the guise of the city. We combine the best oriental wisdom with western experience. This has led to advances in various areas of life: politics, science, architecture "- said the Mayor.

Facilitating of communications between the major world centers helps to successful cooperation of cities. According to the head of the city, Eurasia as a space needs new convenient means of communication, and Kazan has already begun to take the first steps in this regard. "The prospect of building of a high-speed railway line Moscow – Kazan is important for us, it will facilitate the communication with the capital of the country. Yet direct contact with the cities of Eurasia is the important. Close communication and exchange of experiences between entrepreneurs, academics, and students from different countries is the impulse to development and prosperity. Therefore, cities need to consider the possibilities for expansion of direct communications. Kazan is also becoming a major trading city. Construction of roads, in particular transport corridor "Europe - Western China”, will increase the role of Kazan in the strengthening of relations across Eurasia. Their economic effect will certainly affect the short term, "- said Mayor.

In general, according to Ilsur Metshin, in recent years Kazan has grown into the most important economic agglomeration not only in the Volga region, but the entire Russia. The capital of Tatarstan becomes a center of attraction for people from all over the world. Mayor of Kazan called the cities to be guided by the experience of Kazan and to involve actively in the process of Eurasian integration and global decision-making. "I am convinced that it is necessary to pursue the integration process at the municipal level actively. Eurasian cities department have already entered into this great overall process. Now we invite the neighboring regional offices: the Middle East, Europe, Asia-Pacific - to join our cooperation. For us, it's time to involve the local authorities in addressing to global development issues", - concluded the Mayor.