And the Great Volga route will revive

August 6, in NCC "Kazan" within the framework of preparation for celebrating a 1000-anniversary of Kazan took place opening the international scientific - practical conference " The Great Volga route " was held. Tatarstan President Mintimer Shaimiev opened the forum.

This action is being held under aegis of UNESCO, IRCICA and e Council of Europe. Besides, the Russian representatives in the event take part the representatives from USA, Germany, Sweden, Italy, Finland, Turkey, Iran and other foreign countries. The purpose of conference - promotion to revival of the Great Volga route which even in the far ancient times served as trading "bridge" between the East and Northern Europe.

For Tatarstan, as well as for all Russia, Volga and Kama have exclusive value, noted President of Tatarstan Mintimer Shaimiev, addressing to participants of a forum. The favorable geographical position of republic conditions in many respects its economic opportunities. Creation under aegis of the United Nations of the international transport corridor "North - South" would promote not only to development of the Russian economy, but also transnational interests. Besides, economic aspect of reviving the Great Volga route counts M.Shajmiev, a serious, cultural and political value is stick to Present year declared by the United Nations Year of dialogue among civilizations. Today, when across the world developed a negative image of Islam, experience of Tatarstan where the balance of cultures and faiths is observed, might become an original model of dialogue between cultures and promote forming the idea about Islam as of religion of peace, capable flexibly to reacts to calls of time, stressed RT President.

This point of view was shared also by the personal representative of the Secretary general of the United Nations on Year of dialogue among civilizations Gianndomeniko Picco. The world more and more is learning about Tatarstan and its outstanding adherence to tolerance and a nonviolence, emphasized G. Picco. Learning to operate by the diversity of the world through multi -polarity is, in his opinion, a practical purpose of dialogue, for which the Kazan forum may serve as example.