Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- An opening ceremony of the Consulate General of the Republic of Uzbekistan in Kazan took place in the capital of Tatarstan.

The event was attended by President of the Republic of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Uzbekistan to the Russian Federation Botirjon Asadov and Consul General of Uzbekistan to Kazan Fariddin Nasriev.

Rustam Minnikhanov stressed that the opening of the General Consulate of Uzbekistan in Kazan is a landmark event for both Tatarstan and Russia as a whole. “All this is being done within the framework of the strategic partnership “Russia - Uzbekistan”. This is a very serious support, including for our republic,” the President of the Republic of Tajikistan said.

He noted that in recent years Tatarstan has intensified work with Uzbek partners. There is a close cooperation with the regions of Uzbekistan and various companies, the mutual exchange of delegations is organized.

Rustam Minnikhanov thanked Ambassador of Uzbekistan to the Russian Federation Botirjon Asadov, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Prime Minister of Uzbekistan Abdulla Aripov. “Our mutual work gives positive results in trade, economic, cultural and educational spheres,” said the President of the Republic of Tajikistan.

The President of the Republic of Tatarstan recalled that today in the morning he met with the Ambassador of Uzbekistan to the Russian Federation. During the conversation, prospects for the further development of bilateral cooperation were discussed.

“We have excellent relations with the Tatars living in Uzbekistan. Earlier we received a telegram about Sabantui in Tashkent. Over 50 thousand people took part in the celebration. Without the assistance of the leadership of Uzbekistan and the regions this would have been impossible. We, in turn, support the national-cultural autonomy of the Uzbeks of Tatarstan, they also actively participate in all our events,” Minnikhanov said.

He added that the Uzbek and Tatar peoples are connected by a rich history. “Today we are trying to strengthen our relationship. We want to be closer and help each other. In recent years, Uzbekistan has been making serious steps in this direction - it opens, implements large projects. We want to wish the Uzbek people and the leadership of the country the implementation of all the tasks set,” Rustam Minnikhanov concluded.

The Ambassador of Uzbekistan to the Russian Federation, Botirzhon Asadov, thanked the leadership of the republic for their assistance. He noted that the Consulate General will conduct work throughout the Volga Federal District. “The opening of the Consulate General will allow us to significantly intensify our interregional ties,” he added.

The Consul General of Uzbekistan in Kazan, Fariddin Nasriev, expressed his gratitude to the President of the Republic of Tajikistan for his continued support. He noted that the Consulate General is faced with big tasks, aimed, inter alia, at expanding cooperation in the trade, economic and humanitarian fields.