The head of Bashkortostan commented on the special relationship and cooperation with Kazakhstan.

Ufa. November 26. KAZAKHSTAN TODAY - The Head of Bashkortostan, Radiy Khabirov, spoke about cooperation with Kazakhstan during a press briefing at the XX Forum of Interregional Cooperation between Russia and Kazakhstan, as reported by the agency's correspondent.

We have special relations with Kazakhstan. It was in Kazakhstan that we opened one of the first representative offices of the Republic of Bashkortostan as part of the trade representation of the Russian Federation," said Radiy Khabirov.

In his view, the shared roots and traditions contribute to the relationship between Bashkortostan and Kazakhstan.

Therefore, we understand each other very well. The most important thing (...) that has come to us from the Soviet Union is the industrial division of labor. Many Kazakh enterprises need our equipment, which we produce. Many of our enterprises require Kazakh equipment, hence the industrial division of labor and industrial cooperation," he stated.

Radiy Khabirov also emphasized that Bashkortostan has very serious agreements and is developing the process of industrial cooperation with Kazakhstan, primarily in the fields of petrochemistry and mineral extraction.

Speaking about tourism, the head of the republic noted that air communication has already been established between Kazakhstan and Bashkortostan.

We have flights to Astana. Flights to Astana operate at certain times of the year when all flights are indeed filled. We are interested in opening Kazakhstan to Bashkir tourists, which we have been doing through the Bashkir longevity program. We co-financed ticket costs from the state budget for the program (...) for our pensioners. They travel to Astana," stated Radiy Khabirov.

According to him, residents of Bashkortostan are also interested in Almaty and ski resorts.

These are the two main destinations we will further promote. In turn, we have suggested to our colleagues from Kazakhstan to consider visiting Bashkortostan. Bashkortostan offers extensive services in the field of medical tourism. By the way, Kazakh partners actively utilize this. The network of health resorts in Bashkortostan is a key foreign partner and the main foreign tourists come specifically from Kazakhstan," the head of the republic added.

It is worth noting that the XX Forum of Interregional Cooperation between Russia and Kazakhstan is taking place from November 26-27 in Ufa at the new Wrestling Palace. Participants can expect a rich business and cultural program. Following the anniversary forum, the countries will sign a program for interregional and cross-border cooperation, which includes about 140 events across 12 different sectors.