On January 12 Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov met with heads of central religious organisations, who came to Tatarstan to take part in celebrations dated to birthday of Prophet Muhammad. The meeting was held in Bolgar before the main solemn event Mawlid an-Nabi.

Tatarstan State Counsellor Mintimer Shaimiev, Chief of Staff of Tatarstan President’s Office Asgat Safarov, Deputy Chief of Staff of Tatarstan President’s Office – Head of the Department for domestic policy Aleksandr Terentiev, Chairman of the Executive Committee of the World Congress of Tatars Rinat Zakirov, Head of Spassky region Kamil Nugaev, Head of Central Muslim Spiritual Board Talgat Tadzhutdin, Deputy Chairman of the Council of Muftis of Russia Rushan hazrat Abbyasov, Chairman of Tatarstan Muslim Spiritual Board, mufti Kamil Samigullin, rector of Russian Islamic Institute Rafik Mukhametshin took part in the event.

Development of Muslim ummah and interaction between religious organisations were discussed at the meeting.

Rustam Minnikhanov welcomed the guests saying that such a meeting with leaders of Russian Muslims was held in Bolgar for the first time. He also informed that the tourism development programme was worked out and Bolgar would surely be included in it. The President also believes that Bolgar should become an educational centre for Tatars.

Mintimer Shaimiev, in his turn, noted the importance of making approach roads and especially water ways so that tourists could see the unique confluence of the Volga and Kama rivers, and Volga-Kama reservation.

Rushan Abbyasov thanked Tatarstan leadership for organisation of the meeting.