Rustam Minnikhanov meets with representatives of Tatar community in Finland

On November 15, during his working trip to Helsinki, Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov met with representatives of Tatar community of Finland. About one hundred members of the community came to the meeting.

Currently, one thousand Tatars live in Finland, most of them in Helsinki (500 people).

Opening the meeting, chairman of the Muslim community Atik Ali stated that Muslims living in Finland as well as Muslims all over the world criticize terrorist attacks which happened in Paris on November 13. He noted that Muslims, Orthodox Christians and representatives of other religions live peacefully in Finland.

Atik Ali focused on relations of the Tatar community of Finland with the Republic of Tatarstan and World Congress of Tatars, and mentioned that direct flights between Kazan and Helsinki favour development of tourism industry.

Speaking at the meeting, Rustam Minnikhanov said that Tatars in Finland managed to preserve their native language, culture and traditions. He also noted that the economic growth is based on new technologies and innovations, and the experience of Finland is very interesting. Minnikhanov continued that the republic tries to strengthen contacts with Tatars in Russia and abroad, and told about online programme “Ana tele”, and a TV channel TNV-Planeta, and cooperation with the World Congress of Tatars.

Tatarstan President handed over letters of gratitude to members of the Tatar community.