Tatarstan's President holds contacts in Ankara

Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu came together with Tatar President Rustem Minnikhanov for a working breakfast on Wednesday, which was followed by a joint press conference. "We are not allowing any hindrance in our economic and cultural relations with either the Republic of Tatarstan or its friendly, neighboring Russian Federation. Following the abolishment of visa requirements for travel between Turkey and Tatarstan, mutual visits dramatically increased and were followed by the development of bilateral economic relations," Davutoglu said after a meeting in Ankara with Minnikhanov, emphasizing the strong relations between the nations of Turks and Tatars. For his part, Minnikhanov thanked governors of the Republic of Turkey for their contributions to protection of the common culture of Turkish-speaking nations. Following his meeting with Davutoglu, Minnikhanov proceeded to the Presidential Palace, where he was received by President Abdullah Gul in an official ceremony and later attended a working luncheon hosted by Gul. Minnikhanov's visit has particular significance in that it is the first presidential visit from Tatarstan to Turkey.