Vladimir Putin hands in Mintimer Shaimiev the Order of St. Andrew the First-Called

On 23 May in Moscow Russian President Vladimir Putin handed in the Order of St. Andrew the First-Called to the First President of Tatarstan and Hero of Labour of Russia Mintimer Shaimiev, who is currently the State Counselor of the republic, for his outstanding service to the state and longstanding fruitful public activities.

The Awarding decree was signed on 20 January 2022 and was dedicated to 85th birthday of Mintimer Shaimiev, however the ceremony of handing in the award was postponed because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Before handing in the award, Vladimir Putin said: ““Without question the huge credit in strengthening the Russian statehood and federalism, inter-ethnic concord in the socially and economically developed Tatarstan and all Russia goes to Mintimer Shaimiev – a strong and ingenious politician, a man of exceptional wisdom and responsibility. It is a great honor for me to hand you in the highest award of our Motherland - the Order of St. Andrew the First-Called.”

In his response Mintimer Shaimiev thanked the Head of the State and said: Despite all difficulties we are currently experiencing, despite everything that is happening in the world, we continue to become stronger and show the feeling of solidarity.  Today as never before our country by its economic indicators is adequate to the situation we are in. You, Vladimir Vladimirovich managed to unite our multi-ethnic and multi-confessional people and provide further strengthening of unity of our state. It is good that you strike a chord with residents of our country and line you are pursuing under current conditions is successful due to your character and experience. Our internal readiness which is manifested in patriotism of our citizens testifies that we are strong and together. This is a great achievement.  Nothing was ever easy for the Russian Federation and we passed very difficult times. And now we are sure-footed. The task for all us is to continue going forward also bravely and ultimately led by you as our multi-ethnic, multi-confessional and - I would even say – long-suffering people are behind us. We should cherish what we have and showing our will to go forward as steady as we did. There is nothing else left and we do not need it. We believe in ourselves more than ever before. We will succeed!”