"amazing" congress of the peoples of Tatarstan. Thank you for such a detailed comment

Participants in the Congress of the Peoples of Tatarstan recalled a difficult period in the history of the republic and talked about extending the agreement on the division of powers with Moscow

The Third Congress of the Peoples of Tatarstan brought together over 700 delegates in Kazan, who represented all municipalities and national-cultural organizations of the republic. The participants talked about ethnocultural development, interethnic peace, and interaction with civil society institutions. But the event became significant thanks to the discussion of the agreement between Tatarstan and Moscow. The delegates insisted on appealing to the federal authorities to extend the document that was fateful for our republic. The corresponding clause was added to the congress resolution. A Realnoe Vremya correspondent attended the event.

Shaimiev: “The 1994 Treaty can be extended”

The third Congress of the Peoples of Tatarstan was the first in the last decade. Previous meetings were held in 1992 and 2007 and had a great influence on strengthening interethnic peace in the republic.

The task of this forum is no less important - to find approaches for effective national policy at the state level, say the meeting participants. Over 700 delegates represented the entire multinational Tatarstan: 30% Tatars, 18% Russians, 7% Chuvash, 3.5% each Mari, Udmurts, Armenians, Mordovians, about 2.5% Tajiks and Azerbaijanis, etc. Almost half of them are leaders and members of national-cultural autonomies, a quarter are representatives of other public organizations.

At the beginning of the event, the guests were greeted by State Councilor of Tatarstan Mintimer Shaimiev. Calling the congress an event of special importance in the public life of the republic, he thanked those who stood at the origins of the multinational movement of Tatarstan. I recalled the difficult conditions in which the first similar forums took place. I thanked the leadership of a renewing Russia for their support and understanding, which was manifested both in the policies of Boris Yeltsin and Vladimir Putin.

The First Congress of Peoples was followed by the signing in 1994 of an agreement on the delimitation of jurisdiction and powers between the state authorities of Russia and the state authorities of Tatarstan. In the year of the Second Congress, a second agreement was signed, which consolidated the republic’s relations with the federal center strictly within the framework of the existing constitutions of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Tatarstan, noted Mintimer Shaimiev.

The Third Congress of the Peoples of Tatarstan gathered over 700 delegates in Kazan

The State Advisor emphasized that the agreement does not provide for any tax or financial and economic benefits for Tatarstan and must be extended.

Today, given the creative nature of this agreement, as a result of which we have achieved the successful development of the republic, it has the right to life. The treaty can be extended without making any changes to its content - as a constitutional norm that helps strengthen the federal basis of our state, Shaimiev added.

Later, the importance of the document was emphasized by one of the delegates of the congress, the people's poet of the republic, Zinnur Mansurov.

I am confident that the country's President Vladimir Putin will show his inherent wisdom and political foresight in this matter. Addressing the leader of our country, I want to say: “Dear Vladimir Vladimirovich! Tatars and all Tatarstan residents can be trusted. We have not let you down and will not let you down! - Zinnurov noted.

A participant in the congress spoke about the need to appeal to the federal authorities with a request to extend the agreement with Tatarstan. Later, such a clause was actually added to the congress resolution.

The State Advisor emphasized that the agreement does not provide for any tax or financial and economic benefits for Tatarstan and should be extended

Tatars are interested in a strong Russia

Interethnic peace serves as a basic principle of development, says Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov. Speaking at the congress, he noted that long-term good neighborly relations are the main competitive advantages of our republic.

The uniqueness and strength of Russia lies in the friendship and unity of peoples. I believe that such positioning of the country is extremely important in the international arena. This is especially relevant recently in the context of growing interethnic conflicts, aggravation of interfaith and intrareligious relations,” said Rustam Minnikhanov.

In his speech, the president mentioned that “enemies inside and outside our country” are trying to politicize the ethno-religious sphere in order to weaken the state and split Russian society. However, the Tatars, according to him, are interested in a strong Russia, which guarantees the successful development of national languages, culture, traditions and customs of the peoples of the entire country.

Multinational Tatarstan was called the pearl of the country by Magomedsalam Magomedov, deputy head of the presidential administration and executive secretary of the Russian Presidential Council for Interethnic Relations.

For our state, where representatives of 193 ethnic communities with equal constitutional rights live, civil and interethnic harmony is one of the main conditions for the existence of the state itself. And the fact that I have been instructed to speak on his behalf shows how highly the president appreciates this congress,” noted Magomedsalam Magomedov.

“For our state, where representatives of 193 ethnic communities live, civil and interethnic harmony is one of the main conditions for the existence of the state itself,” noted Magomedsalam Magomedov (pictured in the center)

“I received a hat as a gift from Shaimiev, and when I got to Moscow, I received a hat each”

The speech of the head of Dagestan turned out to be perhaps the most discussed. Ramazan Abdulatipov more than once brought smiles to the audience and received applause. In his speech, he called the Tatars a great people, and one of their “greatest achievements” was unification with the Russian people.

Like no other, the Tatars adorn Russia! Historically, Tatars have always been among the intellectual, industrial, sports, and cultural elites of the country. And therefore they turned out to be closer to Moscow than the Caucasians. But the Caucasians are not going to give in, said Ramazan Abdulatipov.

In the world, according to him, you cannot find a better friend or enemy than the Caucasians. As an enemy, they will pursue you for 100 years, and as a friend, they will give their lives for you. “The Tatars do the same, that’s why they are also highlanders,” the head of Dagestan joked.

Abdulatipov also recalled how in 1994 he helped Tatarstan obtain its own citizenship. When he spoke in parliament, declaring that the republic was even ahead of Russia in reforming its society, only four people voted against the resolution of the Supreme Council.

I then received a hat from Shaimiev, and when I got to Moscow, I received a hat each. I then said: “If any of you, deputies, can squeeze more out of this Supreme Council, go and squeeze it.” I am telling this not to show my role in history, but to show that you have gone through a very difficult path. And thanks to the wisdom of Mintimer Shaimiev and Boris Yeltsin, the agreement took place,” the head of Dagestan emphasized.

The speech of the head of Dagestan turned out to be perhaps the most discussed

At the same time, he noted that there was not a single day when anyone from the leadership of Tatarstan thought about secession from Russia. Therefore, Abdulatipov called the state councilor of the republic “an expression of the historical wisdom and courage of the Tatar people.”

The main law of human development is continuity. He [Shaimiev] acts in accordance with this law. He left behind an excellent, efficient team, and this is already an achievement. Rustam Nurgalievich is one of the most effective leaders among all subjects of Russia, and Chairman of the State Council Farid Khairulovich is always nearby. The Dagestan people love Tatarstan and consider its people close to them, concluded the head of the Caucasian republic.

With these words, Ramazan Abdulatipov presented Mintimer Shaimiev with the highest award of his republic - the Order of Merit for the Republic of Dagestan.

“Before, we were surprised by everything abroad, now there is nothing to surprise us there”

Following the results of the congress, as part of the press approach, Rustam Minnikhanov emphasized the importance of peace and harmony between the peoples of the republic. I reminded you of the telegram with Vladimir Putin’s address to the forum participants, which already speaks of its significance.

We remember the 90s, what the situation was like in Tatarstan and in Russia in general, what discrepancies there were. By finding a common language with everyone, creating such an assembly system, building relationships with religious structures, involving public organizations and authoritative persons of our republic in their work, we ensured stability. “All this is thanks to the wise leadership of Russian President Vladimir Putin, and the established legislative framework, both at the federal and regional levels,” the President of Tatarstan emphasized.

The congress itself is another great opportunity to communicate with representatives of different nations and hear their opinions, he noted. This way the authorities will know the interests of the people who live here. According to him, every year life in the republic is changing for the better, but some people do not want to notice this.

The congress is another great opportunity to communicate with representatives of different nations and hear their opinions, says Rustam Minnikhanov

We remember that when we went abroad 25-30 years ago, we were surprised at everything. Now we come abroad, and there is nothing else to surprise us there. “We have had everything that is there for a long time, and we are setting more ambitious goals,” he noted, adding that “without peace and harmony, of course, there will be no prosperity, unity and power of the country.”

Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Vladimir Vasiliev noted the role of both the leadership of Tatarstan and public organizations in strengthening interethnic peace:

People who create an atmosphere of friendship, hard work and success are what makes Tatarstan different today. This atmosphere attracts people not only in Russia, but also abroad. It so happened that there was a student from Serbia here, and he said that in his homeland he really missed this atmosphere of peace in a big house,” Vasiliev emphasized.

This is a fundamental requirement; there is no other approach in the life of a multinational state. In this, Russia is unique - it is not the Arab world, where only one nation and religion lives. We have a multi-confessional country and republic,” summed up the Chairman of the State Council of the Republic of Tatarstan.

Vasil Shirshov, photo gossov.tatarstan.ru

The news agency Tatar-inform provides the text of the congress resolution in its entirety.

(Kazan, April 29, Tatar-inform). The Assembly of the Peoples of Tatarstan published the resolution of the III Congress of the Peoples of Tatarstan, held in Kazan on April 22 of this year.

The Tatar-inform news agency provides the text of this document (“On the implementation of state national policy in the Republic of Tatarstan”) in its entirety:

“We, representatives of the peoples living in the Republic of Tatarstan, gathered at the Congress of the Peoples of Tatarstan, express our fundamental commitment to strengthening interethnic and interreligious peace and harmony in the Russian Federation, preserving and developing national languages ​​and cultures, strengthening spiritual community, ensuring the constitutional rights and freedoms of citizens.

The Congress expresses support for the strategic line of the Russian leadership towards developing the country as a truly federal democratic state, consistently defending its interests in the international arena and countering international terrorism.

In the context of modern challenges, the factors of multinationality and multi-confessionalism of the Russian Federation are of particular relevance. As has happened more than once, enemies inside and outside our country are making attempts to politicize the ethno-religious sphere in order to weaken the state and split Russian society.

The general public fully approves of the decisions and actions of the country's leadership on the adoption of the State National Policy Strategy, the creation of the Federal Agency for National Affairs, and the implementation of targeted government programs. These proposals were contained in the address of the Second Congress of the Peoples of Tatarstan to the President, the Federal Assembly and the Government of the Russian Federation. The decisions taken create favorable preconditions for preventing manifestations of tension on national and religious grounds, forming good neighborly and respectful relations that contribute to the creative development of representatives of all nations.

One of the important results of such a policy is the strengthening in society of the values ​​of Russian patriotism, awareness of the unity and cohesion of the multinational people of our Fatherland.

The Republic of Tatarstan, which is one of the leading regions, demonstrates high performance in the economy and social sphere, interethnic and interreligious peace and harmony, and socio-political stability, makes its significant contribution to the development of the Russian Federation.

Modern Tatarstan is distinguished by its openness to cooperation with many countries and regions of the near and far abroad, and its commitment to traditional values ​​of spirituality and culture.

The continuity of the political course, respect for the historical, cultural and spiritual heritage of the peoples of Tatarstan have a positive impact on all aspects of the life of our society. A lot of work to recreate the monuments of ancient Bolgar, the island city of Sviyazhsk and Kazan educates Tatarstan residents in the spirit of morality and humanism, and contributes to the formation of a positive image of the republic. The Renaissance Foundation, under the leadership of the First President of the Republic of Tatarstan M. Sh. Shaimiev, plays a huge role in this multifaceted work.

It is important to note that everything that is being done today in Tatarstan meets the interests of people, regardless of their nationality and religious affiliation, for whom the republic has become a common home. The developed and implemented Strategy for the socio-economic development of Tatarstan for the period until 2030 considers the improvement of human capital as the most important priority.

The republic is becoming more and more attractive, the number of ethnic groups represented in Tatarstan is growing, and the tasks of social and cultural adaptation and integration of migrants are becoming more urgent.

At the same time, the unity and cooperation of all ethno-confessional groups of Tatarstan residents, based on centuries of experience of living together, act as a value guideline and competitive advantage of our society.

These provisions are reflected in the new edition of the Concept of State Ethnic Policy in the Republic of Tatarstan, adopted in 2013. The activities of the Council on Interethnic and Interfaith Relations created under the President of the Republic of Tatarstan have a positive impact on the state of ethno-religious relations and the development of priorities in this area.

Three state programs and six subprograms are being implemented aimed at strengthening interethnic and interfaith harmony, preserving and developing languages ​​and cultures, the identity of the Tatar people, supporting crafts and traditions, as well as preventing extremism and terrorism. Comprehensive programs have been developed at the municipal level.

In the ten years that have passed since the previous Congress of the Peoples of Tatarstan, the multinational movement of the republic has achieved noticeable success. The leading role in it is played by the Assembly of the Peoples of Tatarstan, uniting more than 210 national and cultural associations of 36 ethnic groups. Seven people's friendship houses are successfully operating in Kazan, Naberezhnye Chelny, Leninogorsk, Mendeleevsk, Nizhnekamsk, Nurlat and Tetyushi, which are resource centers of the Assembly.

Traditional religions make a significant contribution to the development of spirituality. This is facilitated by the development of state-confessional relations. An act of historical justice and support for religious education was the Decree of the President of the Republic of Tatarstan R.N., adopted on National Unity Day on November 4, 2015. Minnikhanov “On the creation of the Bulgarian Islamic Academy and the reconstruction of the Cathedral of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God.” It is important that the reconstruction of the Orthodox cathedral and the creation of a spiritual and educational Muslim center are carried out with the support of all residents of the republic.

There is high continuity and consistency in the decisions of the first (1992) and second (2007) congresses of peoples of the Republic of Tatarstan. Their implementation made it possible to form an effective integrated system for the implementation of state national policy. It is distinguished by: completeness of legislative, regulatory design and targeted programs; development of ethnocultural infrastructure; depth of scientific support and monitoring; a high degree of involvement of public ethnocultural associations and the level of their cooperation with state and municipal authorities. According to regularly conducted surveys, more than 80 percent of the population assesses the state of interethnic and interfaith relations positively.

At the same time, the risks of growing conflicts and radicalism existing in the world, and modern realities of social development pose new challenges in the implementation of national policy, requiring flexible and effective forms and methods of work, strengthening coordination and efficiency of interaction between state, municipal and public structures.

Having heard and discussed the report of the President of the Republic of Tatarstan R. N. Minnikhanov “In the unity of peoples is the strength of Russia!” and speeches of the congress delegates, we:

We express our strong support for the course pursued by the President of the Russian Federation V.V. Putin to strengthen the power of the country, preserve interethnic and interreligious peace and harmony, and combat manifestations of extremism and terrorism;
- we call on all representatives of political forces and movements to help maintain peace and harmony in the country between people of different nationalities and religions, and to prevent actions that could lead to tension in the ethno-confessional sphere;
- we approve of the established holistic system for implementing the state national policy in the Republic of Tatarstan, the installation of its interdepartmental and comprehensive nature;
- we consider the maintenance of ethnocultural diversity, the revival of spirituality, the preservation of interethnic and interreligious peace and harmony in Tatarstan to be the most important value guideline and priority in our work;
- we are convinced that terrorism, extremism and radicalism (no matter what national and religious clothes they wear) are a serious social danger, a threat to social unity, and countering these destructive trends is the common task of all levels of state and municipal government, civil society institutions;
- we consider it necessary to develop a system of scientific support and integrated ethnological monitoring in order to constantly study the state of interethnic and interreligious relations, early warning of conflict situations;
- we note the need to improve the training and advanced training of personnel responsible for the field of ethnocultural development;
- we believe that measures should be taken to improve the quality of information and educational support for state national policy;
- we note the growing importance of activities to implement state national policy at the municipal level, the need to update municipal programs and master modern methods and forms of work;
- we approve of the diverse work on the development of the multinational movement of the republic, carried out by the Assembly of Peoples of Tatarstan, and note the need to improve its infrastructure;
- are convinced of the positive role of the Agreement on the delimitation of jurisdiction and powers between government bodies of the Russian Federation and government bodies of the Republic of Tatarstan, which had a decisive influence on strengthening friendship and interaction between peoples, as well as the socio-economic and socio-political development of Tatarstan and the Russian Federation generally.

We, the delegates of the congress, appeal to the President and the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation with the proposal:
- taking into account the opinion of the multinational people of Tatarstan, as well as the positively proven form of organization of the highest state power in the republic, retain the title of the position President of the Republic of Tatarstan;
- in connection with the expiration of the Agreement on the delimitation of jurisdiction and powers between public authorities of the Russian Federation and public authorities of the Republic of Tatarstan, instruct the public authorities of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Tatarstan to work out forms for resolving emerging issues regarding the delimitation of powers between the federal center and Tatarstan.

We firmly associate the future of the Russian Federation with Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin as the guarantor of defending the interests of the country in the international arena, strengthening its power and development as a democratic federal state, ensuring the ethnocultural development of all peoples.

We express confidence that the decisions taken will contribute to the achievement of the main goals of the state national policy in Tatarstan, the further unity of representatives of the peoples living in the republic, the strengthening of interethnic and interreligious peace and harmony in Russia as a whole.”

22.04.2017

About a thousand people took part in the plenary meeting, held at the Korston State Television and Radio Broadcasting Company, including 730 delegates representing all municipalities and national-cultural associations of the republic. The honorary guests of the representative forum were: President of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov; State Advisor of the Republic of Tatarstan Mintimer Shaimiev; Sheikh-ul-Islam, Supreme Mufti, Chairman of the Central Muslim Spiritual Directorate of Russia Talgat Safa Tadzhuddin; Chairman of the Muslim Spiritual Board of the Republic of Tatarstan Kamil Samigullin; Chairman of the Council of the Assembly of Peoples of Russia Svetlana Smirnova; Vice Speaker of the State Duma of the Russian Federation Vladimir Vasiliev; Head of Dagestan Ramazan Abdulatipov; Deputy Head of the Council of Muftis of Russia Rushan Abbyasov. The chairman of the meeting is the head of the Assembly of Peoples of Tatarstan, speaker of the republican parliament Farid Mukhametshin.

President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin sent a welcoming telegram to the participants, in which he wished them success in their work, noted the significance of the congress for the peoples of Tatarstan and Russia as a whole and emphasized: “The state attaches priority importance to the issues of preserving the identity and originality of each people, strengthening peace, interethnic and interreligious harmony in the country. And therefore, programs to support national languages, schools, cultural and educational centers will definitely receive further development, and educational, interregional, and international projects will be implemented.”

As is known, the previous congresses of the peoples of Tatarstan (in 1992 and 2007) had a serious positive impact on the formation of interethnic relations in the republic. The importance of these events was noted by Mintimer Shaimiev. He emphasized: “The Congress of the Peoples of Tatarstan is perhaps the most representative public forum. Each of the congresses marked major changes in the socio-political development of Tatarstan, new stages in the formation of the system of state national policy of the republic..."

At the current forum, held under the motto “In the unity of peoples is the strength of Russia,” topical problems of the ethnocultural evolution of the region and strengthening interfaith interaction were discussed. In his report, Rustam Minnikhanov noted with satisfaction that in the last three decades there has been a rapid breakthrough in the development of religious organizations, many mosques and churches have been returned, and assistance has been provided in the construction and restoration of hundreds of places of worship. “With the support of the population, active work has begun today to create the Bulgarian Islamic Academy and recreate the Cathedral of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God. Already this year, the Islamic Academy will open its doors to its first students,” said the President of Tatarstan.

In addition to participating in the meetings, delegates of the congress and guests from neighboring regions had the opportunity to get acquainted with the expositions of the Houses of Friendship, exhibitions of folk art products, and photo compositions “The Many Faces of Tatarstan” and “We are Part of Russia.” After the completion of the business part of the event, a concert took place at the M. Jalil Opera and Ballet Theater, at which masters of art from Tatarstan, Bashkiria, Udmurtia and Mari El performed.

SPEECH by the President of the Republic of Tatarstan R.N. Minnikhanov at the III Congress of Peoples of the Republic of Tatarstan on April 22, 2017 “IN THE UNITY OF PEOPLES IS THE STRENGTH OF RUSSIA” Kherle kon, Kaderle duslar, Khormatle kunaklar! Dear delegates and guests of the congress!

I am glad to welcome you to the capital of our multinational republic - the city of Kazan.

We are grateful for the participation in our work of Magomedsalam Magomedalievich Magomedov, Vladimir Abdualievich Vasiliev, Ramazan Gadzhimuradovich Abdulatipov, all representatives of federal and regional authorities and public associations.

The greeting to the congress from the President of the country, Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, demonstrates the great attention of the leadership of the Russian Federation to issues of national policy.

In this we see recognition of the contribution of the Republic of Tatarstan to strengthening the power of Russia, peace and cooperation between all the peoples of our multinational Fatherland.

The Congress of Peoples is a significant event in the public life of Tatarstan.

Its delegates are the most worthy representatives of all territories, various fields of activity and almost all ethnic groups.

This format is dictated by the high significance of the issues brought up for discussion. This is confirmed by the entire period of the modern history of the republic.

The current successes of Tatarstan are due to effective socio-economic development, socio-political stability, interethnic and interreligious peace and harmony.

The decisions of previous congresses of peoples played a major role in creative development.

***

The starting point was the first congress. It took place during a difficult historical period and was dictated by life itself.

The delegates approved the course of the republic’s leadership towards increasing independence and positive development. In fact, the Congress became an act of spiritual unity of the peoples of Tatarstan.

At the same time, decisions were made to form the most important institution of the multinational movement - the Association of National-Cultural Associations, as well as to create the House of Friendship of Peoples, which became the resource platform of the Association.

Most importantly, the first Congress recognized the key thesis that interethnic and interreligious peace and harmony are the most important value guideline and priority in work. Throughout its history, our republic has proven this.

***

The second congress of the peoples of Tatarstan was a special milestone. His resolution noted the importance of the continuity of the socio-political course pursued by the President of the country Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin and the President of Tatarstan Mintimer Sharipovich Shaimiev, aimed at the development of Russia as a sovereign, truly federal democratic state.

It was emphasized that “this vector of development of the state and society meets the fundamental goals of preserving the unity of the country, ensuring the rights and freedoms of its citizens, developing languages, preserving and enhancing the rich cultural and historical heritage of representatives of all peoples inhabiting Russia.

The delegates unanimously recognized the success of ethnocultural development. The Association of National-Cultural Associations was transformed into the Assembly of the Peoples of Tatarstan. And what is especially important is that the Concept of the state national policy in the republic was approved.

Even today, we build our activities on the basis of such priority provisions as ensuring equal living conditions for representatives of all peoples, collectively constituting the multinational people of Tatarstan, as well as the need for the comprehensive development of the Tatar people and strengthening the republic as a historically established form of its statehood.

Let me remind you that the Address of the Second Congress to the President, the Federal Assembly and the Government of the Russian Federation contained issues that have found their solution over the years.

Today we note with satisfaction that at the federal level the Strategy of the State Ethnic Policy has been adopted, the Federal Agency for National Affairs has been created, targeted state programs are being implemented, a monitoring system is being deployed, and a Council on Interethnic Relations operates under the President of the country.

Based on federal decisions over this decade, the necessary legislative and regulatory framework was formed in the republic, which ensures the protection of ethnic rights, freedom of conscience of citizens, and provides broad powers to ethnocultural and religious organizations.

***

Assessing the dynamic development of the republic over the 25 years that have passed since the first Congress of Peoples, I cannot help but note that there were many, to put it mildly, “skeptics.”

Critical judgments have been and sometimes continue to be heard in different ways. Attempts are being made to emphasize a certain isolation and opposition of the republic to the interests of the country.

These theses demonstrate a complete lack of understanding by their authors of both the essence of the transformations taking place in Tatarstan and the interests of Russia as a federal state.

Let me emphasize that from the very beginning the republic was guided, first of all, by the position of defending the interests of its multinational people.

This concerned constitutional powers and obligations, actions aimed at preserving industrial potential and “soft entry into the market.”

At that time, the extremely important and complex task of stabilizing the situation and preventing the spread of suspicion between people of different nationalities was being solved.

Tatarstan has chosen a course to expand its rights in the system of federal relations.

The referendum held in March 1992 made it possible to reconcile polar points of view on the prospects for the development of statehood in Tatarstan and showed the desire of the peoples of the republic for a peaceful solution to the issues that had accumulated over the previous decades. Its main meaning lies precisely in this.

This was, perhaps, the only way to strengthen interethnic peace both within the republic and in relations with the federal center. In those years, only the first and very difficult steps were taken to erect the building of a strong federal state.

I would like to note that the relatively high level of independence of the republic has always been combined with the highest level of its responsibility.

At all stages of its development, Tatarstan has consistently defended the thesis that Russia is strong with strong regions.

The republic has repeatedly demonstrated its desire to disseminate the experience of the “Tatarstan model”. Let me remind you that against the backdrop of military operations in Chechnya, the Hague Initiative was considered by many as a platform for dialogue and the development of new approaches to prevent ethnopolitical conflicts.

Time has shown the political accuracy and justification of these efforts, the wisdom and foresight of the first President of the republic, Mintimer Sharipovich Shaimiev.

The high assessment by the country's leaders of the role of Tatarstan in the consolidation of Russia in the difficult 90s and early 2000s is the best proof of this.

Dear participants of the congress!

Modern Tatarstan is distinguished by openness to mutually beneficial cooperation with partners from many countries and regions within the framework of the foreign policy strategy of the Russian Federation.

The Republic is consistently among the investment-attractive territories of the country.

Based on the results of foreign economic activity in 2016, Tatarstan’s trading partners were 145 countries, with half of them carrying out export trade operations.

We are constantly increasing this activity.

The increase in awareness and recognition of Tatarstan was significantly facilitated by the successful implementation of such large-scale projects as the 1000th anniversary of Kazan, the World Summer Student Universiade, and the World Aquatics Championships.

Already this year, the capital of the republic will host the Confederations Cup games, and next year the group tournament of the World Cup. In 2019, we will host the WorldSkills World Skills Championship.

The socio-economic development of the republic, social stability and interethnic harmony, as well as our experience become a visible competitive advantage in the global market.

The republic should become a center of attraction for the largest transnational corporations and the organization of their business on our territory .

At the same time, people are always at the heart of our economic policy.

Creating favorable conditions for its development and improvement is the main goal of the Strategy for the socio-economic development of the republic until 2030.

It is fundamentally important that the Strategy provides for ensuring the priority of human and civil rights and freedoms, which, in turn, is based on the principles of equal rights of peoples, promotes the preservation and development of historical, national and spiritual traditions, cultures, languages, and ensures civil harmony.

This determines the interrelated priorities of the Strategy - peace and interethnic harmony, a focus on strengthening democracy and accelerating the socio-economic development of the republic.

Of course, ensuring decent ethnocultural development and implementing social programs are possible only through an effective economy.

***

Today we are focused on international cooperation, economic diversification, industrial modernization based on advanced technologies, as well as the development of innovative infrastructure.

The territorially isolated innovation center “InnoKam” has been identified as the point of economic growth not only for the republic, but also for the country.

It is expected to create more than 30 thousand high-performance jobs and increase the volume of shipped products by 3 times (up to 2 trillion rubles).

The Special Economic Zone “Alabuga” and the technopolis “Khimgrad” are successfully developing, having celebrated their tenth anniversary.

High results are demonstrated by the largest industrial park in Europe, Instrumentation and Processing Equipment “Master”, and the IT park sites.

We have great hopes for the city of Innopolis, where there is a world-class IT university.

The development strategy is yielding results. According to the main macroeconomic indicators, Tatarstan is traditionally among the leading regions of Russia: 3rd place - in agriculture and the volume of investments in fixed capital; 5th place - in industrial production and construction; 6th place - in terms of GRP volume; 7th place - in housing commissioning; 9th place - in terms of retail trade turnover.

In general, over the past 10 years, the volume of gross regional product and the industrial production index have increased in comparable prices by 1.4 times, and the volume of construction work has increased by 1.7 times. The volume of shipped goods of our own production by our enterprises has increased significantly. In general, retail trade turnover increased 1.8 times, and the volume of agricultural products grew by 20%. Today, in terms of basic products, Tatarstan is a self-sufficient region (meat production is 108% of the need, eggs - 117%, milk - 120%, potato and sugar production is 2.5 times higher than the need).

Successful economic development allows us to comprehensively solve the problem of improving the quality of life of the population.

More than 30 socially significant programs are being implemented in the republic. Schools, kindergartens, healthcare, sports and cultural facilities are being built, new residential areas are being built, and support is being provided to entrepreneurs and farmers.

Much attention is paid to creating a comfortable living environment; projects related to the arrangement of public gardens, parks, and water protection zones are being implemented.

The tourist attractiveness of Tatarstan is growing.

I would like to note that the residents of the republic, along with a positive assessment of all these transformations, are increasingly showing personal involvement in them.

Important indicators of the social well-being of the population are an increase in the birth rate and life expectancy.

If 10 years ago there was a natural population decline - 8.1 thousand people, then last year there was a natural increase - about 11 thousand people.

During the same time, life expectancy increased by more than 4 years (from 69.4 to 73.6 years).

The Tatarstan development model has become one of the most successful in the post-Soviet period.

Everything that the republic has achieved to date is the result of the painstaking work of many generations - representatives of various nationalities.

I would like to express to all of you - representatives of the multinational people of Tatarstan - sincere recognition for your understanding and deep involvement, for your work for the benefit of the prosperity of your native republic and our common Fatherland.

It is especially valuable that we are constantly supported by the country’s leadership in this dynamic development. We are united in the understanding that the success of Tatarstan directly means the success of our common Motherland - Russia.

Dear delegates and invitees!

The decisions of previous congresses formed a solid basis for a whole set of transformations aimed at preserving interethnic peace and harmony.

With the active interaction of all subjects of ethno-religious relations, a number of government programs were adopted.

Currently, 3 state programs and 6 subprograms are being implemented with annual funding of more than 330 million rubles.

They contribute to the development of national cultures and spirituality, the preservation of interethnic and interreligious harmony, and the fight against extremism and terrorism.

Traditionally, at the republican level, such folk holidays are celebrated as the Tatar Sabantuy, Russian Karavon, Chuvash Uyav, Udmurt Gyron Bydton, Mordovian Baltai, Mari Semyk, Navruz, Pitrau, Ivan Kupala and other holidays.

Serious attention is paid to information support of national policy. Newspapers and magazines are published in national languages, and websites are being developed. I would especially like to highlight the magazine “Our Home Tatarstan”, which is the winner of the all-Russian competition “Mass Media Creator”.

The All-Russian journalistic competitions “The Many Faces of Russia” and Forums of regional and national media, held in the republic, have become traditional.

Folk arts and crafts are supported. Much attention is paid to the preservation, revival and popularization of intangible cultural heritage. Ethnographic tourism, museums, and ethnocultural centers are developing.

It is extremely important that programs for the implementation of national policies have been adopted in every municipality.

The role of civil society institutions has noticeably increased - the Assembly of the Peoples of Tatarstan, the World Congress of Tatars, the Russian National Cultural Association, the Public Chamber of the Republic, the Spiritual Administration of Muslims, the Tatarstan Metropolis of the Russian Orthodox Church and others.

Over the past period, the infrastructure of the Assembly of Peoples of Tatarstan has significantly expanded, and the forms and scale of its work have changed. Today it unites more than 210 national and cultural associations, and there are 7 houses of friendship of peoples.

I cannot help but note the significant role of Farid Khairulovich Mukhametshin in the successful and progressive activities of the Assembly.

All our initiatives in recent years have received full support from the Federal Agency for National Affairs. Tatarstan has in many ways become a supporting platform and one of the basic regions where a monitoring system for the ethno-religious sphere is being implemented.

We strive to include the population as much as possible in this activity and expand monitoring. Since 2015, the reception of reports on conflict situations on national and religious grounds began on the basis of the GLONASS-112 system and the state information system “People's Control”.

A deep understanding of problems, determination of priorities and program measures is impossible without scientific understanding. The leading role in this is played by the Expert Council at the Kazan Federal University, which includes leading scientists of the republic and country.

***

Over the past three decades, there has been a rapid breakthrough in the development of religious organizations, both with its positive trends and costs.

We built relationships with all religious organizations, seeing them as support in resolving issues of morality, spirituality and social service.

During this period, many mosques and temples were returned, assistance was provided in the construction and restoration of hundreds of places of worship.

Today this support continues.

The new building complexes housed the Tatarstan Metropolis of the Russian Orthodox Church and the Spiritual Administration of Muslims.

Most recently, the Church of the Descent of the Holy Spirit and the Galeev Mosque in Kazan opened their doors.

The Russian Orthodox Church was given the St. Nicholas-Gostinodvorskaya Church, built in the 16th-18th centuries, in which the future patriarch, holy martyr Hermogenes, served.

A major role in the revival of historical places of worship belongs to the Renaissance Foundation, headed by Mintimer Sharipovich Shaimiev.

With the support of the entire population of the republic, shrines are being revived in Bolgar and the island city of Sviyazhsk.

A great achievement and landmark event for Russia was the inclusion of the Bulgarian Museum-Reserve in the List of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Substantive work is underway to include Orthodox sites in Sviyazhsk in this list.

Visiting these shrines, the President of the country, Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, emphasized that this work is unique from the point of view of preserving the historical and cultural heritage of the peoples of the Russian Federation.

With the support of the population, active work has now begun to create the Bulgarian Islamic Academy and recreate the Cathedral of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God.

This year the Islamic Academy will open its doors to its first students. It is intended to become an important part of the country’s integral system of religious education, a leading scientific, educational and spiritual educational center.

This initiative of centralized Muslim organizations in the country is also being implemented with the support of the President of Russia.

An act of historical justice was the reconstruction of the Cathedral of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God, which is already taking on visible shape. And soon he will appear before our eyes in all his splendor.

The Muftiate, the Tatarstan Metropolis of the Russian Orthodox Church and other traditional confessions play a special role in the development of spirituality.

It is important to note the unity of positions of religious leaders on almost all pressing issues of our time.

This, first of all, concerns ensuring interreligious peace and harmony in society, as well as preventing and countering the spread of radical religious teachings on the territory of the republic.

It should be noted the variety of forms of work of religious organizations.

In particular, this concerns social service. There are widely known examples of the selfless activities of the Islamic Rehabilitation Center for the Blind at the Yardem Mosque, the orphanage at the Raifa Mother of God Monastery, the Republican Charitable Foundation “Jewish Center “Hesed Moshe” and many others.

Such religious and cultural projects as “Izge Bolgar Zhyeny”, the “Alekseevsky Chimes” festival and the Spasskaya Fair in Yelabuga, the ethno-confessional festival “Mosaic of Cultures” and others are widely supported and have become traditional.

Annual forums of Tatar religious figures and the Orthodox community contribute to the consolidation of efforts to resolve pressing issues of spiritual life.

Dear participants of the Congress!

An important element of national identity is language.

The development of state and other languages, as well as the compulsory parity study of Russian and Tatar in school, has become our priority.

A public consensus was previously reached on this issue, which cannot be changed.

Without Tatars tel һәm mәdәiyaten saklau һәm үsterү өchen җavaply. Bu-Tatarstannyn uzenchelege.

Tarikh һәm ethnography өlkәsendә tөrle tiksherenүlәr үtkәrelә. Respublikada һәm annan chitә urnashkan tatar torak pointlary tarihyn өyrәnү һәm berlәshterү buencha zur esh bashkaryla.

Monda "Tatar halkynyn milli uzenchәlegen saklau" let us play a role.

At the same time, by directing funds to the development of Tatar, we also finance measures to support Russian and the native languages ​​of other peoples.

The preservation and development of the Russian language and literature, culture and traditions has always been one of our priorities.

This is facilitated by the implementation of government programs in the field of language and nationality policy. In addition, a special program “Russian language in Tatarstan” has been operating for more than 10 years.

Our scientists, teachers and cultural workers are doing a lot of work to increase the wealth of the Russian language and culture.

A special role in this belongs to the Russian National-Cultural Association of the Republic.

Both professional and amateur groups are widely supported.

The participants of the V Congress of the Russian Society of Teachers of Russian Language and Literature, held last October in Kazan, were also convinced of this.

Their assessments debunk myths and the inconsistency of attempts to politicize language issues.

However, we accept constructive criticism.

Of course, there are questions that relate to increasing the effectiveness of the applied teaching methods and technologies.

Our scientists and practitioners must work substantively on this.

The republic supports the activities of national schools - Chuvash, Udmurt, Mari, Mordovian.

Where it is impossible to create separate educational institutions, there are 47 branches of Sunday schools teaching 25 languages.

The main thing is that the results of the work of our schools have a stable positive trend in the quality of knowledge both in the Russian and Tatar languages, and in other languages ​​of the peoples inhabiting the republic.

I would like to note the positive results of the Unified State Examination in the Russian language.

All this ensures high mobility and competitiveness of our graduates.

***

Historically, Tatarstan is a common home for representatives of many nations.

Along with this, there is a constant increase in our multinational family.

Today, national diversity is a common phenomenon not only in large cities, but also in municipal areas and rural settlements.

This is largely due to the successful socio-economic development of the republic, which significantly increases its attractiveness for work and living.

Over the past 10 years, the influx of migrants into the republic has increased almost 2.5 times.

In this regard, we pay serious attention to the issues of socio-cultural adaptation of visitors and the prevention of possible negative manifestations, taking into account the fact that arrivals are sometimes carriers of radical views.

Dear participants of the Congress!

Historically, only a small part of the Tatars live in Tatarstan. The majority inhabit regions of Russia, countries near and far abroad.

Donyaga sibelep yashәүche tatarlar republicbyzny tarihi vatany, milletnen ruhi һәm madәni uchagy itep kabul itәlәr.

Tatar donyasyn һәm Tatarstanny ber-bersennәn aerym itep kүz aldyna kiterep bulmy.

The Tatars are interested in a strong Russia that guarantees the successful development of national languages, cultures, traditions and customs of peoples throughout the country.

In these matters, our national leader, the President of the country Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, is a reliable guarantor with his clear and consistent position aimed at supporting the ethnocultural development of peoples, preserving peace and harmony.

One of the important results of such a policy is the strengthening of the values ​​of Russian patriotism in society, as well as the awareness of the unity and cohesion of a multinational people.

Sometimes we hear from some critics that the multinationality of the country is difficult and fraught with risks.

As has happened more than once, enemies inside and outside our country are once again making attempts to politicize the ethno-religious sphere in order to weaken the state and split Russian society.

I am convinced, like most of the participants of the Congress, that multinationality and long-term good neighborly relations are our competitive advantage.

The uniqueness and strength of Russia lies in friendship and unity of peoples!

I believe that such positioning of the country is extremely important in the international arena.

This is especially relevant recently, in conditions of growing interethnic conflicts and aggravation of interfaith and intrareligious relations.

Dear friends!

Very little time remains until the 100th anniversary of the founding of the TASSR.

This is not just a memorable date, but a major historical event.

It was from this moment that the development of modern Tatarstan began, a region with a special status and opportunities that has achieved successful economic, social and spiritual development.

Our common task is to celebrate this significant date with dignity.

I am sure that the anniversary will contribute to even closer unity of the Tatarstan people and the unity of the peoples of Russia.

Next year marks 25 years since the adoption of the modern Constitution of the Russian Federation. This is a valid document based on the best international experience.

For multinational Russia, it is especially important that the country’s Basic Law has established a strong foundation for positive ethnocultural development.

The Constitution lays down the most important norms for the preservation and development of the cultures and traditions of the peoples of the country, and provides clear guarantees of the rights of national republics in the sphere of state building and language policy.

In this regard, it should be emphasized that the successes of the republic are inextricably linked with the development of our country and the strengthening of its position in the international arena.

Tatarstan is interested in a strong Russia - this is the key to our successful development, just as the Federation is interested in a strong Tatarstan - and this is the key to the development of our state.

***

On the eve of the Congress, an extensive sociological study was carried out, its main results are available in the handout.

I will note only two indicators that demonstrate the high level of trust of citizens and the common destinies of the peoples of Russia. Over 90% of respondents stated their positive attitude towards representatives of other peoples living in the republic. The overwhelming majority have a dual Russian-Tatarstan identity. About half of the respondents consider themselves Russians and Tatarstan citizens “equally.”

The position of the delegates, summarized based on the results of the survey, is also consistent with the results of the study.

I have given instructions to the government of the republic to take into account all the proposals set out in questionnaires and speeches.

We will consider the most important issues at a meeting of the Council for Interethnic and Interfaith Relations under the President of the Republic of Tatarstan.

These are good materials, first of all, for planning our joint activities and making the necessary management decisions.

It is important that in each municipality meetings of heads with delegates were previously held.

Interethnic and interfaith harmony in the municipality is a subject of special concern and responsibility of the municipal authorities. It is on this basis that work at the local level should be built.

Dear delegates and guests of the Congress!

I believe it would be correct to express our Congress’s strong support for the course pursued by the President of the Russian Federation to strengthen the country’s power, preserve interethnic and interreligious peace and harmony, combat manifestations of extremism and terrorism, and defend Russia’s national interests in the international arena.

And also to call on all representatives of political forces and movements to help maintain peace and harmony in the country between people of different nationalities and religions, and to prevent actions that could lead to tension in the ethno-religious sphere.

Taking into account modern challenges, we should recognize terrorism, extremism and radicalism - no matter what national and religious clothes they wear - as a serious social danger, a threat to social unity, and countering these destructive trends is a common task of all state and public institutions.

Concluding the report, I would like to emphasize once again that interethnic and interreligious peace and harmony should be an immutable value and priority in our work - this is a basic condition for the development of the republic and the country as a whole.

Igtibarygyz өchen rәkhmatәt!

Congress of katnashuchylarga, kaderle kunaklarybyzga eshlәrenda zur uңyshlar, tynych-imin tormysh telim!

On February 15, a meeting of the Council of the Assembly of Peoples of Tatarstan was held in Kazan, at which they summed up the work of national and cultural public associations, the House of Friendship of the Peoples of Tatarstan and the executive committee of the assembly in 2016, and also discussed plans for 2017.

The meeting was chaired by the head of the republican parliament, chairman of the Council of the Assembly of Peoples of Tatarstan (ANT) Farid Mukhametshin.

“The interethnic climate of our republic has become softer,” noted Farid Mukhametshin, assessing the work of ANT last year. He also briefly spoke about the main events in the political and ethnocultural life of the republic and recalled that almost 10 years have passed since the Second Congress of the Peoples of Tatarstan. “As you can see, during this time, ethnopolitical processes in the republic have undergone serious and positive changes,” the Chairman of the State Council emphasized, “the domestic and foreign political situation has changed. Taking into account new challenges and trends, there is a need to hold the next congress of the peoples of the republic.”

Nikolay VLADIMIROV: Currently, our organization unites under its wing more than two hundred local and regional national and cultural public associations

The Third Congress of the Peoples of Tatarstan, according to the decree of the President of the Republic, will take place in April 2017. Currently, an organizing committee has been formed, headed by the Chairman of the State Council.

“Representatives of all 173 nationalities living in Tatarstan, even the smallest ones, will take part in the congress,” noted Farid Mukhametshin. “The congress faces a big unifying task; I think decisions will be made at it that will form the basis for the activities of state and municipal authorities for the next 10 years.”

“Today the Assembly of the Peoples of Tatarstan and its youth wing are an authoritative public organization that acts as a kind of methodological and resource center for the development of the ethnocultural movement of the republic,” said Farid Mukhametshin. – The holding of the previous congress of the peoples of Tatarstan once again confirmed that the harmonization of interethnic and interfaith relations is the most important priority of the state policy of Tatarstan and the Russian Federation as a whole. The well-being of the country depends on how consistently and subtly relationships are built between representatives of different nationalities and religions.”

Nikolai Vladimirov, head of the executive committee of the Council of the Assembly of Peoples of Tatarstan, made a report on the activities of the Assembly of Peoples of Tatarstan in 2016. “Currently, our organization unites under its wing more than two hundred local and regional national and cultural public associations,” he emphasized.

The head of the executive committee called comprehensive work on the adaptation of migrants one of the most important areas of the assembly’s activities. “It’s no secret that Tatarstan continues to remain a socially and economically attractive region, and, as a result, migration flows are constantly increasing,” noted Nikolai Vladimirov. “During 2016, 250 thousand foreign citizens were registered for migration, 7 percent more than in 2015.”

Another point on which the attention of those gathered was focused was work with young people. “You and I must do everything we can to facilitate the speedy adaptation of visiting youth to the new sociocultural environment, especially since their ranks are constantly growing, about 9 thousand foreign students from more than a hundred countries are currently studying in the republic,” recalled Nikolai Vladimirov.

The director of the House of Friendship of Peoples, Irek Sharipov, and the chairman of the Youth Assembly, Timur Kadyrov, also spoke at the meeting. The director of the Sunday school, Maya Khukhunashvili, spoke about the activities of the Multinational Sunday School education center. The director of the People's Friendship House "Rodnik" in Naberezhnye Chelny, Landysh Ishalina, shared her work experience.