7 March 2024

Moscow discussed promoting the potential of the Republic of Kalmykia for its development

A meeting between Anton Kobyakov, Adviser to the President of the Russian Federation, and Batu Khasikov, Head of the Republic of Kalmykia, was held in Moscow to discuss the implementation of a number of key projects and programmes designed to create a long-term basis for the structural development of the economy of the Republic of Kalmykia and the Caspian region.

Adviser to the President of the Russian Federation Anton Kobyakov noted the need to develop Kalmykia’s environmental and cultural initiatives, which are a catalyst for the development of domestic Russian tourism and eco-tourism in the region. “In the future, the creation of ecological routes of the region and iconic cultural and ethnic points for tourists and entrepreneurs will attract investments for the implementation of ambitious plans of the region’s leadership, including serving as an important component of strengthening relations with our international partners,” said Mr. Kobyakov.

The participants of the meeting discussed the implementation of the research programme for the conservation and restoration of the bustard population on the territory of the Republic of Kalmykia. The project is being carried out by order of the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin and as part of the Russian Government’s comprehensive plan for the establishment of centres for the reintroduction and conservation of birds of the falcon and bustard families, with the participation of experts and foundations from the Persian Gulf countries and with the support of the Roscongress Foundation. An important goal of the programme is to restore the ecological balance of the territory and to renew the traditions of falconry in Russia.

The issues of restoration of rare bird populations are regularly discussed by experts – delegates of the Falcon Day International Forum, which is held as part of the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok. In 2023, a framework Declaration on the Conservation of the Gyrfalcon Population, initiated by Russia, was signed on the sidelines of the Forum. The document is currently supported by China, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, the UAE, and the Kingdom of Bahrain. 

“We will be happy to demonstrate the uniqueness of our region and present key initiatives for the development of the entire region within the framework of Russia’s largest international economic and business forums organized by the Roscongress Foundation. The Republic’s participation in such events is an opportunity to help people learn about the potential of our region, its spirit, traditions, and rich cultural heritage,” said Batu Khasikov.

The meeting also discussed the development of mechanisms to promote traditional values and interfaith dialogue initiatives of Russian Buddhism – within the framework of the upcoming International Forum “Russia – Islamic World: KazanForum” and on the sidelines of the key events of the Roscongress Foundation – the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum and the Eastern Economic Forum.

In addition, the speakers discussed information support of cultural and ethnic events of the Republic, such as the Tulip Festival and the Economic Forum in Elista on the platforms of the Foundation and the creation of the cultural forum ‘Soul of Russia. The South’. The Festival of Indigenous Peoples of Russia was previously presented at the 8th Eastern Economic Forum in 2023 as part of ‘Far East Street’ exhibition. Visitors to the ‘Soul of Russia. The North’ display could learn more about the everyday life, creativity, and lifestyle of the northern peoples of Russia.

The meeting also addressed the support for the development and promotion of kickboxing in Russia. The parties agreed to organise competitions on a permanent basis within the sports track of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum under the auspices of the Russian Kickboxing Federation, whose supervisory board is headed by Batu Khasikov, Head of the Republic of Kalmykia. For the first time, a tournament in this sport was successfully held on the sidelines of SPIEF 2023.

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