Mintimer Shaimiev attends solemn reception marking the opening of the Year “Kazan – Cultural Capital of the Islamic World” and the XVII International Economic Forum “Russia-the Islamic World: KazanForum”
On May 14, the Kazan Expo International Exhibition Centre hosted a solemn reception marking the opening of the Year “Kazan – Cultural Capital of the Islamic World” and the holding of the XVII International Economic Forum “Russia-the Islamic World: KazanForum”.
Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Marat Khusnullin, Russian Minister of Culture Olga Lyubimova, Director General of the Islamic World, Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) Salim bin Mohammed AlMalik and other officials were among the honored guests of the evening.
On behalf of Russian Government and on his own behalf Marat Khusnullin congratulated everyone on the recognition of Kazan as the Cultural Capital of the Islamic World for 2026.
In his welcoming remarks, ICESCO Director-General Salim bin Mohammed AlMalik noted that Kazan was named the Cultural Capital of the Islamic World for 2026 because culture here exists far beyond museums and theaters.
The Rais (Head) of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov began his speech by welcoming State Counsellor of Tatarstan and first President of Tatarstan Mintimer Shaimiev, who was also among the honored guests of the reception.
Rustam Minnikhanov thanked the leadership of the Russian Federation—President Vladimir Putin, Russian Government headed by Mikhail Mishustin, as well as Deputy Prime Minister of Russia and Chairman of the Organizing Committee of KazanForum Marat Khusnullin.
“Without strong federal support, we would not have been able to hold an event of such scale. Thank you to all of them—and applause!” he said.
“But most importantly, applause to you, our guests. Thank you very much!” Minnikhanov addressed the participants of the reception.
Artists and performers from Tatarstan entertained the guests during the evening.