Rustam Minnikhanov meets participants of the regional program of the World Youth Festival in Tatarstan

On 15 March the Rais (Head) of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov accompanied by the regional Minister on Youth Affairs Rinat Sadykov had a meeting with participants of a regional programme of the World Youth Festival held in the Rameev IT Park in Kazan.

The Festival held in Russia consists of two stages, the first one held in Sochi from 1 to 7 March and the regional one from 13 to 16 March in 30 entities of Russia including Tatarstan, and about 100 delegates from 50 countries such as Austria, Argentina, Brazil, Hungary, Iran and others came to the republic.

Speaking at the meeting, Rustam Minnikhanov emphasized that it is a great honor to host the regional programme of the World Youth Festival. “This is undoubtedly one of the largest international events. Under current conditions it is extremely important to preserve a contact with those countries who want to cooperate with Russia. And you have an opportunity to get new acquaintances and find new friends,” he said.

The Rais of the republic informed that Tatarstan is one of the leading regions of Russia with 175 ethnicities living here in peace and concord. The republic has created all conditions for accomplishment of religious demands of residents and there is a successfully working Assembly of Peoples of Tatarstan.

“We attach great attention to issues of creating broad opportunities for self-realization of young people. We have a rather well established system of comprehensive education and we invest a lot into the resource centers development. Tatarstan universities with their 22 thousand students are one of the leading in the country and we have also created all necessary sports infrastructure, youth centers and teenagers clubs,” Rustam Minnikhanov told.

He reminded about the first international multi-sports tournament “The Games of the Future” held in Kazan from 21 February to 3 March and other events such as the KazanForum and the BRICS summit to be held later this year and in conclusion said;” We wish you a pleasant stay in Tatarstan. The main aim of the Festival is establishment of ties between young and active people from different countries as it is you who will build the common future.”

During his conversation with participants of the meeting, Rustam Minnikhanov answered a number of their questions. Thus a student from the Republic of Srpska wanted to know about interests of Tatarstan to develop cooperation and the Rais of the republic said: “I am sure we have many opportunities for interaction including IT, tourism and cultural exchanges. Your republic is not just a friendly but a brotherly one for us and we will actively work with you in all spheres.”

Answering a proposal from a representative from Brazil to attach attention to development of youth diplomacy during the coming BRICS summit, Rustam Minnikhanov said: “It is a very good idea. It is absolutely necessary to organize such a session and we are ready to do it as we have all necessary things for that.”

He also answered a question from a delegate from Argentina about youth employment and told him about the Alabuga Politech educational center, which trains 25 thousand students including those from abroad for blue-collar professions.

During their visit to Kazan participants of the regional programme will get acquainted with history and multi-national culture of Tatarstan and visit memorial places and large enterprises.