Ildar Khalikov congratulates Tatarstan citizens on the Defender of the Fatherland Day

On February 23, Tatarstan Prime Minister Ildar Khalikov congratulated Tatarstan citizens on the Defender of the Fatherland Day.

“Dear Tatarstan citizens! On behalf of Tatarstan Government and personally I congratulate you on the Defender of the Fatherland Day – one of the most important holiday of our people. Patriotism, courage and selfless service to the Fatherland have always been the enduring values of the Russian people. In our society we deeply honor and remember the exploits of heroes who defended the freedom and independence of the Fatherland and greatly respect those who defend its sovereignty and national interests, protect peace and tranquility of citizens.

There are a lot of bright and truly heroic pages in the historical chronicle of our country. With a special feeling we remember the glorious sons of our Fatherland, dedicated their lives to military work, pay tribute to their courage, devotion to duty and honour.

First of all I want to congratulate veterans of the World War II, who honorably fulfilled their patriotic duty in severe years of war. We are proud of their glorious achievements and we know that the new generation of defenders of the fatherland bound up with historical traditions of the Russian Army and Navy. They are worthy of their ancestors, and selflessly serve their fatherland.

Today, the development of our country and its prestige in the international arena largely depend on the combat readiness of the Armed Forces, professionalism and training of soldiers and officers, and their commitment to the remarkable traditions of the Russian army.

Our republic is making a significant contribution to improving the country's defensive capacity. The high potential of Tatarstan enterprises of the military-industrial complex makes it possible to perform the most complicated defense contracts.

On this holiday, I wish the military men, their wives, fathers, mothers, children, and all Tatarstan citizens peaceful sky, good health, success, optimism and confidence in the future.

Tatarstan Prime Minister Ildar Khalikov.”