Kazan Mayor meets with Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of French Republic...

(Kazan, KZN.RU, December 16, by Zilya Gayfi). Mayor of Kazan Ilsur Metshin met in the City Hall with Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the French Republic to Russia, Jean-Maurice Ripert. The French delegation arrived in Kazan to discuss possible ways of cooperation in the fields of business, education, healthcare, transportation and sports.

Welcoming the guests, Ilsur Metshin noted that the capital of Tatarstan was developing dynamically in spite of external factors. "We are very pleased that Kazan, as part of Russia, attracts the attention of not only officials, but also representatives of French business. Despite all the economic problems, Kazan is steadily developing. Children are born, life expectancy is increasing, large amounts of money are invested in health care. We are leaders among the regions in terms of housing construction. One can judge by these indicators about the dynamics of urban development and welfare of our citizens. Our people believe in tomorrow. We are happy," said the mayor.

Jean-Maurice Ripert, in turn, on behalf of the French delegation, thanked the city for the warm welcome and noted Kazan's cooperation with France in many areas. "We are pleased to have come to a city of happy people. We are very pleased to be here. We are impressed by the city's beauty. Great importance is given to the preservation of architectural heritage here, which is very close to the heart of the French. France and Russia are united by many years of multilateral cooperation. Tatarstan and Kazan are known in our country thanks to the implementation of joint projects," said the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of France to Russia.

According to Jean-Maurice Ripert, there is much in common in the history and development of Kazan and France – a rich cultural and historical heritage, a high birth rate and ethnic and cultural diversity.

During the meeting, the representatives of French companies suggested a number of investment projects that could be successfully implemented in the city. These are projects in the field of energy, medicine, retail trade and industry. Ilsur Metshin assured the meeting participants that Kazan would welcome investment and was open to cooperation in all spheres. In conclusion, the sides exchanged gifts.