Mintimer Shaimiev becomes a full chevalier of the Order for Services to the Fatherland

On July 31, at an awarding ceremony at the Kremlin (Moscow), Russian President Vladimir Putin awarded the Order for Services to the Fatherland, IV degree to Tatarstan State Counsellor Mintimer Shaimiev. The Presidential order to award Mintimer Shaimiev was signed on January 14, 2014.

“Here at the Kremlin today are people from all around Russia who have achieved high recognition. Our country needs the results of your constructive and creative work. What’s more, your work plays a huge part in shaping our country’s successful development,” Vladimir Putin said opening the ceremony. “Your achievements were and remain very important and meaningful for generations of Russians. This is equally true of giants of Russian politics such as Mintimer Shaimiev. It would be hard to overestimate his part in developing our country’s federal foundations and strengthening interethnic harmony. Mintimer Shaimiev today becomes a full chevalier of the Order for Services to the Fatherland,” President continued.

“This is my fifth year being out of office. When they ask me how I am doing, I reply sincerely that I feel comfortable. This is because, despite everything, a time of revival and gaining spirituality by our people has come. Due to your support and the support of Rustam Minnikhanov we are successfully reviving the ancient town of Bolgar and island-town of Sviyazhsk. I am happy to say that at the meeting of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee held in Qatar in June it was decided to include Bolgar in the World Heritage List. I congratulate all of us on event! Thank you for the support and attention! A lot of work has been done, the republic has good continuity, and even more work is underway,” Mintimer Shaimiev said in response.

The first President of Tatarstan, has today become a full chevalier of the Order for Services to the Fatherland. He was awarded the Order for Services to the Fatherland, II degree in 1997, the Order for Services to the Fatherland, I degree - in 2007. The Order for Services to the Fatherland, III degree was presented at the Kremlin in May 2010.