Rustam Minnikhanov: For many centuries Tatarstan is the place of peaceful coexistence and creative cooperation of many ethnicities

On 26 December, speaking at a meeting of the Council in inter-ethnic and inter-confessional relations by the Rais of the republic held in the National library of the republic, the Rais (Head) of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov said that for many centuries Tatarstan has been the place of peaceful coexistence and creative cooperation of Tatars, Russians, Chuvash, Udmurt, Mari and representatives of many other ethnicities. 

He stated that rich ethnic-cultural and language diversity and unity of all ethnicities is the main advantage of our country. ”Care for representatives of every ethnicity living in the republic is the basis of our unity. Special attention is attached to ensuring rights of citizens on preservation and development of Mother tongues, cultures and traditions,” Rustam Minnikhanov said.

He emphasized that the republic attaches great attention to creation of conditions necessary for satisfying spiritual needs of the population, such as development of corresponding infrastructure and taking a lot of programme measures. 

The Rais of Tatarstan said that according to social surveys more than 80 per cent of residents of the republic give positive assessment to the state of inter-ethnic and inter-confessional relations. 

However there are still efforts to fan strife between people, Rustam Minnikhanov said and added: “In this respect our national leader Vladimir Putin said that we will not let the inter-ethnic and inter-confessional discord rock the society.”