Rustam Minnikhanov meets members of the media club at the Representative Office of Tatarstan in Russia

On December 12, in Moscow, Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov took part in a traditional meeting of the media club at the Representative Office of the republic in Russia. More than 100 representatives of Moscow and federal media took part in the meeting.  

The media club was established in 2010 to support public initiatives aimed at promoting the development of the economy of Tatarstan, assist in the implementation of regional projects, including those in the field of preservation of the national culture and language.

During the meeting, journalists asked Minnikhanov a number of questions. One of the first was about measures Tatarstan is taking to develop and promote the Tatar language. According to Minnikhanov, in order to preserve the Tatar language, first of all it is necessary to actively use it in everyday life. “We are implementing a number of programmes to preserve the Tatar language. There is an opportunity to learn the Tatar language, get information about the Tatar culture and history through the Ana Tele online school. We are actively interacting with the Tatars living outside the republic. However, no one can force you to learn the Tatar language. If people do not speak their native language in families, then children will not know it. Children are our future. Therefore, everyone should start this work with yourself,”  Tatarstan President said.

Minnikhanov was asked whether the regional authorities are planning to adopt Moscow’s experience in implementing the Programme 200 for supporting the construction of Orthodox churches, including using it for building Muslim temples.  Minnikhanov answered that it is unlikely. He said that representatives of different ethnicities and religions live in peace and harmony in the republic, equal attention is paid to all confessions in Tatarstan. An example of this is the simultaneous implementation of major projects for the revival of Muslim and Orthodox shrines, including the reconstruction of the ancient city of Bolgar and the island of Sviyazhsk, the construction of the Bolgar Islamic Academy and the restoration of the Cathedral of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God.

Tatarstan President also told journalists about work carried out in the republic to enhance the prestige of blue-collar jobs. Minnikhanov noted that establishing resource centres is the main focus of development of the regional system of vocational education. There are 31 resource centres in the republic, in 2019 their number will reach 37, he added.

Minnikhanov noted the important role of the Worldskills movement in enhancing the prestige of blue-collar jobs. He reminded that Kazan will host the 45th WorldSkills Championship next year.

Answering the question about the foreign economic activity of Tatarstan, Minnikhanov noted that the regional economy is integrated into the system of world relations. About half of  industrial products made in the republic are exported. “It is important to us to maintain existing positions and find new markets. Therefore, we visit foreign countries, as well as receive foreign delegations in our republic. Today, we are actively cooperating with Asian countries and the Muslim world, including under the Russia-Islamic World Strategic Vision Group,” Tatarstan President said. “Moreover, foreign visits are a good opportunity to study and learn from the experience of our foreign colleagues in a number of areas.”

Minnikhanov also touched upon the experience of Tatarstan in terms of improving the demographic situation in the region, the implementation of regional programmes to overhaul housing and socio-cultural facilities, the training of managerial personnel in the republic, support of young doctors, etc.