Vladimir Putin announced the 16th FINA World Championship open
24 July 2015, Friday
On July 24, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Interim President of the Republic of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov, FINA President Julio Maglione, Russian Presidential Envoy in Volga Federal District Mikhail Babich, State Counsellor Mintimer Shaimiev, President of the Association of National Olympic Committees Ahmad Al-Fahad Al Sabah, Aide to Russian President Igor Levitin, and Secretary General of the Russian Olympic Committee Anastasia Davydova attended the opening ceremony of the 16th FINA World Championship (Kazan, Tatneft Arena Sports Palace).
The Pilgrim show produced by Igor Krutoy and directed by Alexey Sechenov was followed by the parade of participating countries the representatives of which were carrying 191 flags.
Vladimir Putin delivered his welcoming speech at the ceremony.
“Dear friends! Russia welcomes participants and guests of the 16th FINA World Championship, and sports fans. Our country is hosting the aquatics championship for the first time and our goal is to hold it at the highest level. I would like to express my gratitude to everyone, who took part in the championship preparation in close cooperation with FINA experts. By joint efforts we did our best to hold the world championship successfully. I am sure that the sportsmen will demonstrate their best skills and it will be a big holiday for sports fans. We want everyone coming to Russia to feel the hospitality of our people, the diversity of different cultures and traditions, and find reliable friends here.
Today we see strong athletes, who know everything about sport and its high principles. Only the strongest sportsmen will win the medals, but the atmosphere and spirit of this championship will stay with us forever. I wish all athletesto set new records, and spectators to have unforgettable impressions. I wish all of you strong health and all the best,” he said.
FINA President Julio Maglione, who also delivered a speech at the ceremony, thanked Russian and Tatarstan leadership for excellent organization of the championship, and the organizing committee for their support, competence and creation of comfortable conditions for all participants of the event.
Later on, Vladimir Putin announced the 16th FINA World Championship open.
On 24 April, upon his arrival to the Kazan International Airport, the Defense Minister of China Dong Jun was welcomed by Tatarstan Prime Minister Aleksey Pesoshin, representatives of the General Consulate of China in Kazan and other officials
On 24 April in the Government House of the republic, Tatarstan Prime Minister Aleksey Pesoshin held a joint meeting the Council for Enforcement of Legislation of Languages of Tatarstan and the organizational committee for celebrations of the 140th birthday of Gabdulla Tukay which summarized results of work of the regional law enforcement on official languages of the republic and considered progress of the implementation of the plan of main events for preparation and celebration of the 140th birthday of Gabdulla Tukay .
On 21 April, speaking at a briefing in the Government House of the republic, the Head of the Russian Federal Tax Service for Tatarstan Marat Safiullin said that slightly more than one week is left to file an income tax return for 2025 with the tax service. According to the results of the tax campaign 5.5.bn rubles should come to the regional budget, he said and informed who should submit declarations and who is entitled to benefits.
On 13 April in his congratulatory address on the occasion of the Maecenas and Benefactor Day, Tatarstan Prime Minister Aleksey Pesoshin congratulated residents of the republic with the event and wrote: "Tatarstan has always been known for its generous and kind-hearted people who are ready to help the needy and support important social, cultural and educational projects. We all remember with gratitude the outstanding philanthropists – the Akchurin brothers, the Alafuzovs, and the Ushkovs, whose good deeds and generous donations contributed to the development of culture, education, and healthcare in our republic. The glorious traditions are continued by modern philanthropists and patrons of Tatarstan.