OREANDA-NEWS. On March 28, 2007 Mikhail Akulov, Vice-President at Russian Railways, visited Tatarstan and met the republic’s prime minister Rustam Minnikhanov in the capial Kazan, reported the press-centre of  Russian Railways. The two sides signed a protocol of their working meeting, which provides for cooperation between Russian Railways and Tatarstan on developing rail transport in the region. A protocol was also signed regarding decisions on the initial areas for cooperation between Tatarstan and Gorky Railways in 2007.  In addition, an agreement was signed on cooperation to build a Children’s Railway in Kazan.

“Russian Railways cannot plan its development and reform without cooperating with Russia’s regions,” Akulov told journalists. “Mutual agreements with the regions regarding the developing of rail transport are central to our business planning”. Mikhail Akulov also spoke about the plans to set up a suburban passenger company called Sodruzhestvo (Commonwealth), which will be discussed by Tatarstan and other regions. “The main goal in creating the company is to improve passenger services,” said Akulov. “The organisation and structure of Sodruzhestvo is very topical and there is no sense in delaying things”.