LA HORE: Punjab and Tatarstan on Saturday agreed to promote bilateral relations in various fields including skill development, petrochemical, industry, mines, agriculture, livestock, tourism and sports.

A discussion was held at a meeting betweenTatarstanPresidentRustam Minnikhanov and Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif. The meeting also constituted a joint committee to identify different sectors for promoting cooperation between Punjab and the Republic of Tatarstan.

The foreign visitor commendedthe development vision of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif. He said Punjab had welcomed him with an open arm and `we will promote regional cooperation on solid grounds.

The president said it`s absolutely incorrect to link terrorism and fanaticism with Islam. `Islam teaches peace and brotherhood.

We will work to eliminate terrorism.

He invited Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif to his country and expressed hope that more important developments would be made for extending cooperation in dif ferent sectors.

The chief minister, who spoke the Russian language on the occasion, said he was heartily pleased to welcome the president of Tatarstan. He said tremendouspotential was available for cooperation in agriculture, livestock, skill development, mines and other sectors in Punjab.

The chief minister said he would visit Tatarstan in June. He also spoke to the Punjab-Tatarstan Business Forum and reiterated that strong opportunities exist for promoting bilateraleconomiccooperation. Inviting the Tatarstan investors, he said Pakistan and Russian Federation had economic relations for the last many decades and trade is carried out through barter system.

`I invite the investors of Tatarstan to Pakistan, especially Punjab, and we will provide them all opportunities. The investors should sit with local businessmen and develop a roadmap for further promoting bilateral ties. Punjab has vast opportunities of invest-ment due to its strong infrastructure,` the chief minister said.

He said as a result of $54 billion investment under the ChinaPakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), trade and economic activities have gone up and can help promote ties with Tatarstan and Russian Federation.

Punjab Finance Minister Ayesha Ghous-Pasha presented the address of welcome and gave details of facilities for foreign investors as well as opportunities of investment in Punjab. The head of Tatarstan`s trade agency, Ms Taliya Minullina spoke about prospects of cooperation in dif ferent fields.

An agreement was signed between the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Tatarstan Chamber. Similarly, an MoU was signed for cooperation inIT.