Rustam Minnikhanov hands over medal “For merits in development of local self-government in the Republic of Tatarstan” to Mayor of Istanbul

On March 26, Acting Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov handed over a medal “For merits in development of local self-government in the Republic of Tatarstan” to Mayor of Istanbul Kadir Topbaş at the Kazan Kremlin.

The state award was given to Kadir Topbaş for fruitful cooperation in the sphere of local self-government and contribution to development of international relations between Kazan and Istanbul.

Rustam Minnikhanov said that Kadir Topbaş has always supported and promoted joint Tatarstan-Turkish projects and rendered assistance to development of the Tatar diaspora.

The monument to a Tatar poet Gabdulla Tukai was unveiled in Istanbul and the park “Istanbul” was opened in Kazan in June 2013.

Minnikhanov noted that Kadir Topbaş was elected Mayor of Istanbul for three times which means citizens of Istanbul support him. He said that colleagues from Tatarstan visit Istanbul to share experience and study development of tourism. Rustam Minnikhanov noted work of Kadir Topbaş in the position of president of World organization “United cities and local governments” and his active work in Organization of World Heritage Cities.

“Today Tatarstan and Turkey have all opportunities for fruitful and mutually beneficial cooperation,” Minnikhanov said. He wished Kadir Topbaş and all citizens of Istanbul wellbeing and noted that further work will be aimed at strengthening of friendship and cooperation.

Kadir Topbaş, in turn, thanked Rustam Minnikhanov for the award and added that Kazan and Istanbul are twin cities, and he always feels very comfortable in Kazan. He noted that relations between Turkey and Tatarstan are successfully developing within the framework of Russia-Turkey cooperation.