Rustem Khamitov had a working meeting with a delegation from Merkezi province of the Islamic Republic of Iran

UFA, 19 July 2016. /Bashinform News Agency, Arina Rakhimkulova/. The Head of Bashkortostan Republic Rustem Khamitov held a meeting with the official delegation of Merkezi province of the Islamic Republic of Iran, headed by the deputy governor of the region for coordination of economic relations and resources development Zafar Afshun. The sides discussed prospects for strengthening inter-regional cooperation and implementation of joint projects in various sectors of the economy.

The Head of Bashkortostan stressed that the arrival of the guests continued dialogue between the two regions, which began six months ago, when Iran hosted a business delegation of our republic.

"Last summer, we welcomed in Ufa the President of Iran Hassan Rouhani, who took part in the Council of Heads of States of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, in which Iran has an observer status. Now there is a good opportunity to develop these relations at a regional level. I am glad to meet you personally. Please convey my gratitude to the Governor of the Merkezi province Mr. Mahmoud Zamani Gomi for the decision to send such a representative delegation to Bashkortostan", Rustem Khamitov said.

Zafar Afshun expressed hope that Iran and Bashkortostan would develop good relations underlining the two regions closeness in culture and religion.

"We are interested in cooperation in oil and gas industry. There is an oil and gas sector of the economy in our province, which needs to be supported. We ask you to send a delegation of experts to examine our enterprises in terms of cooperation", said Zafar Afshun.

Answering the questions of reporters after the meeting, Rustem Khamitov noted that in the past few years there was a decline in foreign trade turnover with the Islamic Republic of Iran.

"There are several reasons for this, including the sanctions against Iran. But this is not the main thing. The main thing is a lack of such trips, fact-finding business missions. Now we start this work actually from scratch. The first steps have already been made. Besides, next year Ufa will host the largest Russian-Iranian Forum on Interregional Cooperation. In it will be attended by representatives of all the provinces of Iran and many Russian regions. The forum will discuss the issues of foreign economic cooperation and joint activity. At the same time we would like to sign an agreement with the Merkezi province", Rustem Khamitov said.

The full transcript of the meeting can be found on the website of the Head of Bashkortostan.