On November 21, at Tatarstan Government House, Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov met leaders of delegations arrived in Kazan to attend events within the framework of the closing of the Year "Kazan - the cultural capital of the Turkic World in 2014”.

Welcoming the guests, Minnikhanov thanked representatives of all the countries that have accepted the invitation and came to attend the closing ceremony of the Year "Kazan - the cultural capital of the Turkic World in 2014". Together we try to preserve the rich heritage of the Turkic world and strengthen the cooperation between the two countries, he said, addressing meeting participants.

Kazan has become the third city after Astana and Eskisehir that received the status of capital of the Turkic world, Minnikhanov noted.

He also reminded that Tatarstan is a multinational region, where representatives of different confessions have been living in peace and harmony for hundreds of years. Minnikhanov went on to say that the Kazan Kremlin and the ancient town of Bulgar were included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Then, Tatarstan President briefed about the regional economy and promising projects implemented in the republic.

Minnikhanov said that Kazan will host FINA World Championships in 2015, matches of the FIFA World Cup in 2018, and Confederation Cup will be held in 2017 and invited everyone to take part in these events and root for athletes.

We tried to do our best to hold events within the framework of the Year "Kazan - the cultural capital of the Turkic World in2014" meeting high standards set by Astana and Eskisehir, Tatarstan President said. "Cultural and humanitarian cooperation is based on a long-term partnership between our countries, it is also important for strengthening economic relations,” he noted.

He also reminded that a session of the Permanent Council of Culture Ministers of TURKSOI Member Countries and a gala concern will be the closing events within the framework of the Year “"Kazan - the cultural capital of the Turkic World in 2014.”

Secretary General of the International Organization of Turkic Culture Dusen Kaseinov, who took part in the meeting, awarded Rustam Minnikhanov the TURKSOI commemorative medal for significant contributions to the culture, art and science of the Turkic world.

He also handed in a memorial sign in honor of the fact that Kazan was the capital of the Turkic world to Rustam Minnikhanov.

More information about the International Organization of Turkic Culture is available here http://www.turksoy.org.tr/