Rustam Minnikhanov thanks Director General of UNESCO Irina Bokova for her attention to preserving historical and cultural monuments in Tatarstan

On July 11, Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov thanked Director General of UNESCO for her attention to preserving historical and cultural monuments in Tatarstan, and supporting the application to include the Assumption Cathedral and the monastery of the island-town of Sviyazhsk in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Minnikhanov sent a telegram to Bokova to express his gratitude.

"Dear Irina Georgievna! I sincerely thank you and your colleagues for your attention to preserving the historical and cultural monuments in Tatarstan, supporting the application to include the Assumption Cathedral and the monastery of the island-town of Sviyazhsk in the UNESCO World Heritage List. We are pleased that the unique Orthodox monastic complex of the 16th century, which witnessed military victories and dramatic pages of the history of the multimillion Russian people, has become another Tatarstan object included in the UNESCO List together with the Kazan Kremlin and the Bolgar Historical and Archaeological Complex - the center of Islamic culture.

We do understand the importance of preserving the objects included in such an authoritative list, and we are working hard to manage the Sviyazhsk island complex as one of the pearls of the world's historical, cultural and spiritual heritage and as a significant tourism centre for Tatarstan and all over Russia.

Once again, please accept my deepest gratitude for our fruitful cooperation and best wishes for success in your noble and responsible work.

Sincerely yours,

Rustam Minnikhanov”.