Rustam Minnikhanov and Mintimer Shaimiev take part in a plenary session of the National Assembly of the World Tatar Congress
On 28 August the Rais (Head) of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov and the State Counselor of the republic Mintimer Shaimiev took part in a plenary session of the National Assembly of the World Tatar Congress held with participation of about 1 thousand delegates from 68 regions of Russia and 27 foreign countries in the Tatar State Opera and Ballet Theatre in Kazan’
For the first time the event is held in the enlarged format including the VII World Forum of Tatar women, the IX World Forum of Tatar Youth and the All-Russia meeting of Tatar regional historians.
Opening the session, Tatarstan Deputy Prime Minister Vasil Shaykhraziev, who is also the Chairman of the National Assembly, summarized results of 33 years of work of the organization and touched upon the topic of historic memory.
In his speech Rustam Minnikhanov said that the Congress is the most important platform for consolidation of Tatars He emphasized the systemic character of work and stated the fundamental foundations for the preservation of the Tatar people. “It is necessary to begin work for preservation of the native language in the family. If children do not speak their mother tongue, we are facing the risk of losing it,” he said and added that religion, traditions and spiritual values are also very important.
In his turn Mintimer Shaimiev thanked the participants of the session and said: “I do not remember any other meeting like this one today. It is our happiness and achievement to love the republic and our people so much and to discuss issues of concern with genuine interest. We have said that “we can” and this is really true!”
In the end of the session Rustam Minnikhanov handed in a number of state awards.