Mintimer Shaimiev congratulated Rustam Minnikhanov on inauguration as the President of Republic of Tatarstan

Mintimer Shaimiev congratulated Rustam Minnikhanov on inauguration as the President of Republic of Tatarstan on behalf of Tatarstan citizens and himself.

“It is honorable, responsible and significant to be the leader of such republic, - Mintimer Shaimiev said at ceremony of inauguration. – life experience, workability, competence, personal qualities of Rustam Minnikhanov are undoubtful for successful activity of our President for the benefit of people living in Tatarstan and Russian Federation”.

Mintimer Shaimiev stressed that Tatarstan with enormous scientific- technical, industrial, agricultural and staff potential is one of the most reliable and main founders in Russia.

Our republic has gone through a difficult way of political, social and economic reforms in the period of formation of new Russian Federation. Due to the urge for mutual understanding, and constructive approach of federal centre we managed to avoid violation of the state integrity. On the basis of international concurrence it was possible to achieve speedy development of Tatartan, said the First President of Tatarstan.

He emphasized separately the important role of Russian Presidents Boris Eltsin, Vladimir Putin, Dmitry Medvedev.

“Understanding the complication of the present situation, trusted attitude towards me became the determinants in solving the problems which had been emerging for years and even centuries in such a complicated state formation as Tatarstan, - Mintimer Shaimiev continued. – As a result the efforts of misinterpreted role of Tatar people at various stages of forming Russian state were put aside”.

He reminded that contribution of Tatarstan economy into formation of national gross product is yearly increasing and is substantial and even decisive in some spheres.

Due to strong development Tatarstan has become well-known far out of Russia. Thus, 1000-year Kazan won the right to host World summer Universiade 2013 and it is called the third capital of Russia.

“Tatarstan has become the so-called model of international and interconfessional harmony of the peoples living on the territory of republic”, - Mintimer Shaimiev said. He quoted words of the great poet Gabdulla Tukai: “Love your life, your people, honour the national dream, we are mortal, so do not waste your time for vanity…”