Mintimer Shaimiev meets delegation of USSR and Russian cosmonauts

Delegation of USSR and Russian cosmonauts has arrived in Kazan in the context of Year of Russian cosmonautics. They have already visited Kol Sharif Mosque and Annunciation Cathedral at the Kazan Kremlin, and met with RT State Counsellor Mintimer Shaimiev afterwards.

At the representative building of Kazan Kremlin delegation was received by Aide to RT President on social issues, CEO of republican fund of historical and cultural monuments Tatyana Larionova.

She presented the project of reconstruction of island-town Sviyazhsk and old town of Bolgar.

“Muslim and Orthodox historical monuments are located on one land. It demonstrates the lifestyle in Tatarstan, tolerant relations existing in Republic, where peace and harmony prevails. We are going towards spiritual renewal via revival”, Tatyana Larionova stated.

A meeting of delegation with Mintimer Shaimiev was held in a conference hall with participation of a space pilot, twice Hero of Soviet Union Georgy Grechko with his spouse, Chief doctor of cosmonautics Federation Lyudmila Grechko, and daughter of Sergey Korolev Natalya Koroleva.

Space pilots, twice heroes of Soviet Union and Russia Vasily Tsybliev, Mikhail Kornienko, Anatoly Artsebarsky, Aleksandr Balandin were also on the delegation.

Besides, the only operator who photographed Yury Gagarin just after landing and personal cameraman of Sergey Korolev Makhmut Rafikov were invited to the meeting.

Mintimer Shaimiev thanked all distinguished guests personally, on behalf of Tatarstan President and all Tatarstan citizens for they had found time to visit Kazan.

“Thank you for your heroic deed, for what you did for our country”, State Counsellor said. This heroic deed was possible due to great work of Russian scientists, Mintimer Shaimiev added.

He expressed special words of gratitude to daughter of Sergey Korolev Natalya Koroleva noting that a great number of scientists from different corners of the country used to work in Kazan in wartime.

A space pilot, twice Hero of Soviet Union Georgy Grechko thanked Mintimer Shaimiev for invitation saying that Tatarstan took an active part in space exploration. Moreover, Sergey Korolev used to work in Kazan. Also cosmonauts came here to work with a microwave telescope.

Georgy Grechko told as well a tape recorder with ventilator for space was invented in Kazan. He gifted a book “Pervy navsegda” (The first forever) about Yury Gagrin to Mintimer Shaimiev.

Natalya Koroleva said she is always glad to hear the news about development of Tatarstan, achievements of Kazan and Republic. She reminded Sergey Korolev came to Kazan in 1942, and thanked for unveiling a memorial plaque on the 100-anniversary of her father’s birthday. She granted three books called “S.P.Korolev. Father” to Mintimer Shaimiev.

After the meeting delegation went to JSC “Kazan motor production association” where a famous scientist constructor worked in wartime. Guests will visit the historical museum and lay flowers to alto-relievo of S.P.Korolev.