Congress of Tatarstan peoples was hold in Kazan

Congress of Peoples of Tatarstan was hold at Hotel, Trade and Entertainment Complex “Korston”. RT President Mintimer Shaimiev, Chairman of RT State Council Farid Moukhametshin, over 700 delegates from all regions of the republic and about 300 guests participated in the forum.

The head of the republic made a welcoming speech after the solemn opening ceremony of the event. “Tatarstan has always been a motherland for representatives of different nationalities,” RT President said. “Such political and cultural workers of other nations as Mikhail Grushevsky, Yanka Kupala, Jihangir-khan, Karl Fux, Majit Gafuri and many others used to live here.” Mintimer Shaimiev indicated that the forum concurred with the 15th anniversary of RT Association of National-Cultural Organizations. According to his words the previous congress was held during the difficult time of international strain. “Today Tatarstan is one of the most developed regions of the country and credit should be given to all nations living on its territory,” Shaimiev said.

The President pointed out significant role of RT Association of National-Cultural Organizations in uniting nations of the republic. “We are proud that the palette of national holidays is becoming more diverse. It is important that activities of ethnic public organizations are based on principles of selfless devotion and self-neglect. It is a good moral example, particularly for youth.” Mintimer Shaimiev emphasized that Tatars and Russians play important role in work of small ethnic groups.

According to Mintimer Shaimiev’s opinion, it is symbolical that the forum takes place on the threshold of RF State Duma and presidential elections. “Most part of the population opposes the struggle against xenophobia and national extremism – the politics realized by Russian authorities. Many people consider Putin to continue further development of Russia. I am sure you share this opinion,” RT President underlined.

At the end of his speech Mintimer Shaimiev congratulated the audience on the forthcoming holiday – the Day of People’s Unity.

Chairman of RT State Council Farid Moukhametshin read out greeting telegrammes from Chairman of RF State Duma, Boris Gryzlov and Chairman of RF Council of Federation, Sergei Mironov.