Kazan: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim stated that the Republic of Tatarstan holds significant potential and Malaysia is prepared to engage in discussions on trade and economic topics, including Islamic banking and the halal industry, within Kazan, the capital of the republic.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, as of 2022, Tatarstan's population was 3.9 million, consisting of over 70 ethnic groups, with more than half being Muslim. The prime minister expressed Malaysia's readiness to collaborate and forge stronger ties with the republic, which is part of the Russian Federation. Anwar conveyed this sentiment during a meeting with the Rais (Head) of Tatarstan, Rustam Minnikhanov.
The meeting took place at the Kazan Kremlin and was attended by various notable figures, including the Prime Minister of Tatarstan, Alexey Pesoshin, the Deputy Minister of Energy of the Russian Federation, Roman Marshavin, and representatives of ministries, departments, and major machine-building enterprises.
Anwar's delegation included key Malaysian officials such as the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu; the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Chang Li Kang; the Minister of Higher Education, Datuk Seri Dr. Zambry Abdul Kadir; and the Minister of Plantation and Commodities, Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, alongside Malaysia's Ambassador to Russia, Datuk Cheong Loon Lai.
Rustam Minnikhanov, in a media statement, highlighted the significance of Anwar's visit to Kazan, expressing enthusiasm for increased collaboration. He emphasized the importance of more intensive contacts and thanked Anwar for his visit and participation in the Kazan Forum 2025.
The Rais acknowledged the support from Malaysia and emphasized the growing cooperation in sectors like agriculture, oil and gas, petrochemicals, IT technologies, and other areas. He also noted Tatarstan's role as a pilot region for Islamic banking and the halal industry, acknowledging Malaysia's support and shared best practices.
Anwar's visit also included cultural exchanges, with the Rais presenting him with an English-language collection of poems by Gabdulla Tukai, a classic poet of Tatar literature.
The official visit to Russia began in Moscow on May 13 and is scheduled to conclude tomorrow. Tatarstan, located on Europe's eastern frontier at the Volga and Kama rivers' confluence, spans 68,000 km², comparable in size to countries like Ireland, Lithuania, or Sri Lanka. The Volga River, a prominent Russian watercourse, runs through Tatarstan, enhancing its natural beauty and economic significance.
The region is also renowned for the UNESCO-listed Bolgar Historical and Archaeological Complex, a site of historical and religious importance. Tatarstan's wealth largely stems from its oil and petrochemical industry.