Igor Shuvalov: “We are impressed by results achieved in Bolgar for three years”

On October 9 First Deputy Chairman of Russian Government Igor Shuvalov, delegation of the Eurasian Economic Commission led by Board Chairman Viktor Khristenko, Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov and State Counsellor Mintimer Shaimiev visited the ancient town of Bolgar (Spassky region, Tatarstan).

“We are impressed by results achieved in Bolgar for three years,” Igor Shuvalov said.

The River station and Museum of Bolgar civilization were the first objects visited by the guests. Head of the National centre of archeological research at Mardzhani Institute of history Airat Sitdikov presented museum expositions, told about origins of Bolgar civilization and the history of Volga Bulgaria. Igor Shuvalov was interested in formation and development of Volga Bulgaria state.

State Counsellor Mintimer Shaimiev reminded that Bolga was nominated for inclusion in UNESCO World Heritage List.

Later on, the delegation visited a Memorial that was unveiled to mark official adoption of Islam by Volga Bulgars in 922. The guests were met by Chairman of Muslim Spiritual Board in Tatarstan Kamil hazrat Samigullin. The world’s biggest printed Koran was presented to the delegation.

The guests also looked around the museum complex, and Igor Shuvalov left a note in a book of honourable guests: “With gratitude to people who created such a wonderful complex, and personally Mintimer Shaimiev.”

“We are always proud to show Bolgar to our guests. For three years Mintimer Shaimiev, regional fund “Revival”, archeologists, sponsors, federal Government have done great job,” Rustam Minnikhanov said.

After the visit to Bolgar, the delegation went to the session of the Eurasian Economic Commission in Kazan.

The Eurasian Economic Commission, a permanent regulating agency of the Customs Union and Common Economic Space, started working on February, 2, 2012. Its main mission is to provide conditions for functioning and development of the Customs Union and Common Economic Space, development of proposals on integration development. Members of Common Economic Space are the Russian Federation, the Republic of Kazakhstan, and Belarus.