Mintimer Shaimiev has received the delegation of the Republic of Altay in Kazan Kremlin

On 13 April Tatarstan President Mintimer Shaimiev has met with the delegation of the Republic of Altay State Assembly – El Kurultay headed by the republican Parliament head Ivan Belekov.

Other members of Altay delegation are Vice-Chairman of Altay State Assembly – El Kurultay, chairman of the Committee on agricultural policy and nature management Nikolay Taitakov, chairman of the Committee on education, culture, mass media and public unions Nikolay Tudenev and RA deputy Vladimir Sabin. Vice-Chairman of RT State Council Alexander Gusev represented Tatarstan party on the meeting.

The delegation of the Republic of Altay arrived in Kazan on April 11. Parliamentarians visited RT State Council and got familiarized with the work of Tatarstan Parliament Committees. The guests shared their impressions with Mintimer Shaimiev.

Tatarstan president paid memory tribute to the first head of the Republic of Altay Valeriy Chapinov who was the leader of the republic in the beginning of 90’s. It was V. Chapinov who realized the idea of independent unit of the federation: the Republic of Gorniy Altay was established in 1991. “He managed to do a lot for rapprochement of our nation in his short life – only 52 years,” – Mintimer Shaimiev indicated.

According to Tatarstan President’s words, “it took a great deal of trouble over recreation of the Republic for Altay authorities”. “It exists, it must exist. It’s not the case when economic ground should be taken into account. Altay is the cradle of Turkic peoples; it should be take care of,” – Mintimer Shaimiev noted. He also pointed out that the delegation’s visit to Tatarstan opens great opportunities for mutually beneficial agreements and emphasized that Tatarstan is always open for cooperation with the Republic of Altay.

At the end of the meeting RT President Mintimer Shaimiev was awarded the title “Honoured Citizen of the Republic of Altay”.

“This honourable title is a tribute to Tatarstan President’s great authority. We give credit to the signs of attention that you demonstrate towards our republic,” – the head of the delegation, Chairman of Altay Parliament Ivan Belekov stated. Mintimer Shaimiev thanked the guests.

Honourable title “Honoured Citizen of the Republic of Altay” is given to no more than 7 persons each year. It is given to those who make considerable contribution to social-economic development of the republic and carries out fruitful work in order to preserve citizens’ agreement in society.