From Tehran to Kazan: Tatarstan prioritizes cooperation with Iran and new BRICS members

Pars Today – The President of Tatarstan said expanding cooperation with BRICS member states, the Islamic world, Southeast Asia, and Latin America is among the Russian republic's top priorities.

According to Pars Today, Rustam Minnikhanov, President of Tatarstan, said in an interview with TV BRICS that hosting the 2024 BRICS Summit in Kazan significantly enhanced Tatarstan's international standing and helped attract foreign investment. He added that, with its advanced industrial, technological, transportation, and agricultural infrastructure, Tatarstan has strong potential to implement joint projects with BRICS countries.

Minnikhanov said the republic also holds a prominent position in the halal industry and the export of halal products, adding that it welcomes expanded cooperation in trade, investment, logistics, and technology.

He also emphasized the importance of strengthening academic and scientific cooperation with BRICS countries, noting that more than 20,000 international students are currently enrolled in Tatarstan's universities and that academic exchange programs and joint research centers are continuing to expand.

Referring to Kazan's designation as the Cultural Capital of the Islamic World for 2026, Minnikhanov described the event as an opportunity to deepen ties with Islamic countries. He added that the accession of new BRICS members, including Iran, has created new opportunities for cooperation in areas such as the economy, Islamic finance, education, tourism, and the halal industry.