Rustam Minnikhanov, head of the Republic of Tatarstan, proposed that Vietnam consider opening a consulate general in Kazan. The proposal came during his meeting with Prime Minister Le Minh Hung in Kazan on the afternoon of 16/6. Minnikhanov expressed a desire to welcome more Vietnamese tourists to Tatarstan, fostering greater understanding between the two peoples.

During the meeting, Minnikhanov noted that while relations between localities of the two countries are active, their contribution to bilateral economic and trade development has not yet matched the potential and needs of each nation. He emphasized that significant room remains for effective cooperation. Prime Minister Le Minh Hung affirmed Vietnam's consistent valuation of its traditional friendship and comprehensive strategic partnership with Russia, expressing a desire to strengthen cooperation across all sectors for mutual benefit, contributing to stability and development regionally and globally.

The Prime Minister also highlighted Vietnam's interest in collaborating with Tatarstan's key industrial enterprises. He pledged to create all favorable conditions for Russian businesses, including Tatarstan companies, to conduct long-term, stable operations in Vietnam.

Prime Minister Le Minh Hung and Tatarstan leader Rustam Minnikhanov. Photo: TTXVN

Minnikhanov detailed Tatarstan's key industries, which include Kamaz truck manufacturing, chemicals, civil aircraft production, petrochemicals, textiles, and woodworking. The republic also prioritizes developing small and medium-sized enterprises and information technology industrial parks, which provide employment for over 45,000 people and generate 10 billion USD in annual revenue. Tatarstan expressed a desire to establish relationships with Vietnamese localities, aiming to introduce their development models and connect businesses to explore cooperation opportunities.

The Prime Minister thanked the Tatarstan government and Minnikhanov for their consistent support and favorable conditions provided to the Vietnamese community in the republic. He welcomed Tatarstan's initiative to identify suitable Vietnamese localities for establishing relations and seeking cooperation opportunities in areas where both sides have strengths and needs, such as: economy and trade, education and training, tourism, and culture. Prime Minister Le Minh Hung also encouraged airlines from both countries to explore developing more commercial flight routes connecting Kazan with Hanoi.

Prime Minister Le Minh Hung attended the ASEAN-Russia 35th anniversary summit and participated in bilateral activities in Kazan from 16-18/6, following an invitation from President Vladimir Putin. This trip marked his first official visit to Russia in his new capacity. Russia is a traditional, close, and comprehensive strategic partner of Vietnam.

Deputy Foreign Minister Dang Hoang Giang stated that the overarching goal of the trip was to leverage Vietnam's "bridge" role, foster consensus, and offer practical orientations, thereby creating new momentum for ASEAN-Russia relations. This is particularly significant as Vietnam is set to assume the role of country coordinator for ASEAN-Russia relations during the 2027-2030 period.

Ngoc Anh