Rustam Minnikhanov greets participants and guests of Sabantuy in Baku

On 18 June the Rais (Head) of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov, who came on a working visit to Azerbaijan, greeted participants and guests of Sabantuy held on the central promenade in Baku. 

“No matter where representatives of Tatars live, Sabantuy for us has always been one of the most loved and long-anticipated events. It is unique as it unites representatives of all ethnicities and confessions of one site,” he said. 

According to the last published information there are more than 27 000 Tatars living in Azerbaijan today, who have established several amalgamations such as the Center for Tatar Youth Yashlek, the regional Tatars Culture Society Tugan Tel (Mother Tongue), the Tatarstan Public Amalgamation, the Department of the Tatar Women Society Ak Kalfak in Azerbaijan and others. 

Rustam Minnikhanov thanked Azerbaijani President Ilham Alieyv for attention and support given to the Tatar community and said that in Azerbaijan our compatriots have all possibilities for keeping their traditions and customs and for realization of their full potential.

“Every year relations between Tatarstan and Azerbaijan are becoming stronger and due to your efforts life of Tatars in your country is very active,” he concluded in Tatar. 

In his turn the Minister of Economy of Azerbaijan (Mikayil Jabbarov) passed warm words from the President of the country Ilham Aliyev to participants of Sabantuy.

Later the same day Rustam Minnikhanov laid a wreath to the grave of the Nationwide Leader of Azerbaijan Geydar Aliyev and flowers on the grave of his wife Zarifa Aliyeva.