Rustam Minnikhanov and Sergey Lavrov give start to the International rally Silk Way

On 6 July the Rais (Head) of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov and the Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov took part in a ceremony of the solemn start of the International rally Silk Way organized at the Millennium Square in Kazan. The Head of the rally project Vladimir Chagin, the Director General of the KAMAZ Automaker Sergey Kogogin and representatives of the GAZ Group and URAL and AVTOVAZ automakers also took part in the ceremony. 

The Rais of Tatarstan and the Russian Minister looked round vehicles which will take part in the rally and talked to the vehicle teams, including representatives of Russia, China, Belarus, France, Italy, Switzerland, Serbia, Israel, Syria and a number of other countries. 

Speaking at the ceremony, Sergey Lavrov said: “I am happy to be present at this fantastic event. This meeting is a ceremony of seeing-off courageous people who will take part in this race. This route in the ancient road which connected our huge Eurasia: territories, people, their lives, traditions, cultures, languages and religion. I wish all participants success and a victory.”

Rustam Minnikhanov emphasized that “The Silk Way” is a great sports holiday and a unique project of world importance. “It is a great honour for us as 96 teams from 23 countries go to the starting line of the rally. It is very important for Tatarstan as we are an automotive republic. Every kind of technical sports is extremely popular with us. I would like to express my gratitude to participants of the rally, guests of our holiday and all Kazaners. Godspeed!” he added. 

The Silk Way rally will pass through 13 entities of Russia and will cover 5 247 kilometers including 2 277 kilometers of high speed sections. The participants are expected to break the tape in Moscow on 15 July.