Rustem Khamitov has discussed prospects of cooperation with Arab diplomats

The President of Bashkortostan Rustem Khamitov has held a meeting with delegation of diplomatic corps of Arab states in Russian Federation in Ufa today. The staff of the delegation included representatives of Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Palestine, Mauritania, Iraq and Yemen. Arab ambassadors intend to become acquainted with economic potential RB and to determine prior directions for further cooperation with our region.

“Republic of Bashkortostan is receiving the diplomatic corps of Arab states for the first time and this is high honor for us” – Rustem Khamitov mentioned – “This is a sign of mutual respect, friendship and forthcoming close cooperation. We are closely connected with Arab world through history, culture and religion. The majority of local population preaches Islam. More than one thousand mosques work here, we publish Muslim newspapers and magazines and online Muslim mass-media are also present”.

As for the forum “Big Chemistry”, in which the guests from Arab states intend to take part in, the President RB has mentioned that the forum becomes more and more popular.

“Petroleum chemistry and gas chemistry are rapidly developing in Arab states” – Rustem Khamitov mentioned – “We hope that Arab colleagues will be interested in new partners and new promising projects. We also would like to cooperate with you in spheres of construction, pharmaceutics and medicine. We hope that our cooperation in agriculture will get solid development too. Bashkortostan possesses fertile lands and serious potential in agrarian business”.

Rustem Khamitov wished that Arab businessmen would take an active part in wide-scaled economic programs of the Republic. “I am sure we will work jointly in economics and culture. It is high time to turn to real projects. We expect a new stage of development in 2012-2013”.

The head of the delegation, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Kuwait in RF Naser Haji Ibragim Al Musain has promised that the leaders of the abovementioned countries will do everything possible to consolidate their relations with our Republic. According to him Arabs intend to cooperate with Bashkortostan in sphere of oil refining and in agrarian sector. They are interested first of all in heavy oil processing, so well developed in Bashkortostan. Besides, Arab companies intend to lease ground areas in Bashkortostan for cultivation of grain crops.

“Our today’s goal is acquaintance with your Republic and your potential” – M-r Al Musain reported – “Along with oil mining and refining we are interested in cultivation of grain crops and in development of cattle breeding, especially in sphere of Halal production. Besides, Bashkiria has solid potential in sphere of sanatorium-and-spa treatment”.