Rustam Minnikhanov: "Thanks to the active work Ilsur Metshin Kazan made a notable contribution to the work of UCLG"

(Kazan City KZN.RU, May 26, Zilya Gayfi). Tatarstan supports the decision of the World Organization "United Cities and Local Governments" to establish a branch of the regions. Participation in the activities of this office is of great interest for the republic, President of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov said today at the opening meeting of the Executive Bureau of UCLG.

At the opening ceremony, which was held by the Mayor of Kazan, President of the Eurasian department and co-president of UCLG Ilsur Metshin, the mayors of cities in Europe, Asia and Africa, heads of research institutions and business companies, leading economists, urbanists and transporters of the world met, Jose Asebillo, Vukan Vuchic, Richard Florida, Mikhail Blinkin and others are among them.

Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov welcomed the guests. "These days Kazan takes the most active part of the world municipal community. UCLG in a short period has become an influential organization in the world, successfully promoting interaction between municipalities and effectively defending the interests of local authorities. Tatarstan supports the decision of UCLG to establish a branch of the regions. For our republic participation in activities of this office is of great interest. Close cooperation between local and regional authorities will help to create decent living conditions in our cities. We also support the main principle of UCLG - all solutions on a global level should take into account the views of local authorities", - the head of the republic said.

According to Rustam Minnikhanov, Kazan membership in the world organization and personal involvement of the Mayor of Kazan in the work, contributed to the expansion of activities of UCLG. "We are proud that headquarters of the Eurasian section of UCLG is located in Kazan. Due to the active work of Ilsur Metshin the Tatarstan capital makes a significant contribution to the organization. In turn, we appreciate the assistance provided to us by the UCLG. The capital of Tatarstan is a historically important link between East and West. Kazan now plays a major role in strengthening of international relations, our experience in this area is in demand in the world", - the President of Tatarstan said.

Rustam Minnikhanov also noted that Kazan has become an attractive venue for major international events. So, these days in the capital of Tatarstan a meeting of the Strategic Vision Group "Russia - Islamic World", created at Russian President Vladimir Putin's behalf, is held. Also Kazan last week hosted the eighth International Economic Summit “Kazan Summit 2016”. Such measures, according to the President of Tatarstan, support Eurasian dialogue.