Mintimer Shaimiev: “We have always been friends with Kazakhstan”

On June 16 Tatarstan State Counselor Mintimer Shaimiev took part in Tatar national holiday Sabantui in Semey (Kazakhstan) where the holiday is celebrated every year under the auspice of local Mayor’s office. Representatives of all nations living in the region gather at Sabantui celebrations.

Speaking at official opening of the event, Mayor of East Kazakhstan region Berdybek Saparbayev noted that due to policy of Kazakhstan President Nursultan Nazarbayev aimed at unity of all nations the Assembly of Kazakhstan peoples was established.

Mintimer Shaimiev, in his turn, welcomed guests on behalf of Tatarstan President and people saying that Kazakhstan is a multinational state. “We have centuries-long experience of how different nations should live together in harmony, and support each other. Thank you for warm reception. We will not forget it,” he continued.

Mintimer Shaimiev reminded that Sabantui is becoming more and more popular, it is now held in 226 places all over the world. “Semey is a historical land. We have visited museums and memorial places, you have a rich historical heritage that you preserve for future generations,” he said.