Ilsur Metshin on the BRICS Cities Association: “There is a big scope of work that we, as heads of capitals, must promote in the future”

The first constituent meeting of the BRICS Cities Association will take place in Kazan on June 21. This was announced at the session of Rossotrudnichestvo at the 15th International Economic Forum “Russia – the Islamic World: KazanForum 2024” by the Mayor of Kazan Ilsur Metshin. More than 50 mayors of cities in Brazil, Africa, India, China and CIS countries have already confirmed their interest. In Kazan, they will discuss issues of cooperation in business, tourism and air travel, student exchange, and sports events.

“In October, Russia will host the BRICS Summit. During a conversation with colleagues from the participating countries, we came up with an idea, and we took the initiative to hold the first constituent meeting of the BRICS Cities Association in Kazan in June. There is a big scope of work that we, as heads of capitals, can and should promote in the future. I see great prospects in the future work of the BRICS Cities Association,”- Ilsur Metshin said.

The session “The Islamic World and the development of twinning relations: what's next?” was attended by the head of the Spiritual Assembly of Muslims of Russia Albir Krganov, Deputy Minister of Economic Development of Russia Dmitry Volvach, Vice Rector of the Kazan Federal University Timirkhan Alishev and others. The session was moderated by the head of Rossotrudnichestvo, Yevgeny Primakov.

Ilsur Metshin when opening the session shared the 25-year experience of Kazan's interaction with municipalities from all over the world. To date, there are agreements on twinning relations with the 71 cities.

“The development of horizontal links between cities is very important. Our inter-municipal cooperation is about 25 years. The guests highly appreciate Kazan, active adoption of the practice of other cities made a great contribution to its development. There is no Mayor who can manage everything alone, despite the budget, experience and team. There are definitely cities where one or another practice works better. In order not to reinvent the wheel, we studied the experience of others. We are very active in the inter–municipal arena, Kazan is well- known, people come to us,”- Ilsur Metshin said.

The headquarters of the UCLG Eurasia Section Office is located in the capital of the republic of Tatarstan. Since 2006, Kazan Mayor has been the President of UCLG-Eurasia. Ilsur Metshin thanked the head of Rossotrudnichestvo, Yevgeny Primakov, for his active support in establishing twinning relations between Kazan and other cities. “Your representative offices are located all over the world. I would like to thank you for our long-term cooperation within the framework of the UCLG,” Ilsur Metshin said.

Rossotrudnichestvo has 79 contacts between Kazan and other cities, among which there are not only formal twinning, but also agreements on friendly interactions. “I would like to thank Kazan and Tatarstan. You are right, our cultural centers scattered around the world and we are always happy to welcome you there. Rossotrudnichestvo really likes this interaction,”- Yevgeny Primakov said.