Mintimer Shaimiev arrives in Paris with Tatarstan delegation

On April 1 Tatarstan State Counsellor, Chairman of the Regional Foundation for Revival of Historical and Cultural Monuments Mintimer Shaimiev, Aide to Tatarstan President on social issues, CEO of “Revival” Foundation Tatyana Larionova, Minister of Culture Airat Sibagatullin, Plenipotentiary Representative of the Republic of Tatarstan in France Iskander Yusupov, Head of the Division for culture and development of languages of Tatarstan peoples under Cabinet of Ministers, Executive Secretary for UNESCO affairs Gulshat Nigmatullina, arrived in Paris to take part in a solemn ceremony of awarding the title of UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador to pianist and public figure Denis Matsuev. State Symphonic Orchestra of the Republic of Tatarstan also came to Paris to take part in the concert.

On April 2 Mintimer Shaimiev met with Director of UNESCO's World Heritage Centre Kishore Rao and invited him to the concert of State Symphonic Orchestra of the Republic of Tatarstan and Denis Matsuev.

“We have learnt a lot from the process of restoration of historical monuments, and organized special courses for specialists in this sphere at our architecture and building academy. We would like to invite world-known experts to deliver lectures, and we will appreciate if you come to Kazan to share your experience,” Mintimer Shaimiev said.

Kishore Rao, in his turn, thanked Mintimer Shaimiev for long-term cooperation. “I know you are UNESCO’s good friend and always support us with new ideas, events and concerts,” he said and accepted Mintimer Shaimiev’s invitation.

The same day in the evening Mintimer Shaimiev and members of the delegation took part in a solemn ceremony of awarding the title of UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador to pianist, public figure, and People’s Artist of Russia Denis Matsuev at UNESCO Headquarters, and the concert of State Symphonic Orchestra of the Republic of Tatarstan and Denis Matsuev.

The concert was organized with the auspices of Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov and the Foundation of Social and Cultural Initiatives of Russia.

Ambassador of Russia to France Aleksandr Orlov and ambassadors of CIS and UNESCO countries attended the event.

The official ceremony began with the film about creative, public and charity activity of Denis Matsuev, who is also the President of the Interregional Charity Foundation “New names” that helps young children to realize their musical talent.

UNESCO Director General Irina Bokova, who took part in the event, called Denis Matsuev a person, who devoted himself to music and support of young musicians, and thanked Mintimer Shaimiev for an opportunity to listen to the world-famous State Symphonic Orchestra of the Republic of Tatarstan directed by Aleksandr Sladkovsky.

She presented the certificate on awarding the title of UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador to Denis Matsuev, who thanked her for such a high privilege, saying that the language of music is international and he was happy to be present at such event.

Denis Matsuev also told the audience about activity of the Charity Foundation “New names”.

After the concert Mintimer Shaimiev took part in a meeting with Tatars living in France that was organized by Plenipotentiary Representative of the Republic of Tatarstan in France Iskander Yusupov.