Rustam Minnikhanov delivers his welcoming speech at the opening of a meeting of the heads of the municipal regions of the republic on the exercise of powers to prevent terrorism

On December 25, at the Nikolai Lobachevsky Scientific Library of the Kazan Federal University, delivering his welcoming speech at the opening a meetings of the heads of the municipal regions of the republic on the exercise of powers to prevent terrorism, Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov said that the country's leadership regards prevention of terrorism and extremism as the most important area of the state policy to ensure national security, economic modernization and sustainable social and economic development.

He also reminded that the national counter-terrorism system has been in force in Russia for more than 11 years and has yielded significant results. Due to its comprehensive work, there has been a decline in terrorist activity.

"Not only the power struggle, but also the preventive activities conducted by the leadership of the National Antiterrorist Committee, all federal authorities, antiterrorist commissions in the Russian regions, civil society institutions and local self-government authorities contribute to the manifestation of this positive trend," Minnikhanov said.

He drew particular attention to the fact that "the positive results do not give us the right to relax and consider that we are close to achieving the main goal - eliminating the causes of terrorism and the threats, their level is still high."

"We believe that the centre of practical work is at the local level," Minnikhanov said. “An effective fight against terrorism is impossible without the consolidation of the efforts of local government employees, public and religious organizations and the public. The antiterrorist commission coordinates this work in municipalities."

Issues related to the prevention of terrorism should be a priority in our daily activities, taking into account the upcoming presidential election in Russia and FIFA 2018 World Cup matches, Minnikhanov reminded.

He stressed the need to intensify anti-terrorist and anti-extremist propaganda, to conduct systematic preventive work with people who have been influenced by the ideology of extremism and terrorism.

Minnikhanov also noted the need to provide security at crowded facilities and sites of potential terrorists' attacks, to work more systematically to train local government employees who are involved in activities to prevent terrorism.

Tatarstan President continued that due to the meetings with the heads of municipal regions and urban districts of the repbulic on the exercise of powers to prevent terrorism regional and city leaders will be able to know the state system to counter terrorism, the role and place the municipalities take in it, and various anti-terrorist activities.

He wished everyone constructive exchange of views and successful work. "Only by joining our efforts, we will be able to effectively counter terrorism," Minnikhanov concluded. "I am sure that the knowledge obtained during these meetings will be useful in your work to prevent terrorism.