Address of Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov on the occasion of the National Day of Unity

Dear Tatarstan citizens!

Dear compatriots!

From the bottom of my heart I congratulate you on the National Day of Unity!

The deep, enduring meaning of this truly nationwide celebration is revealed in its very name.

The celebration of the liberation of Moscow from foreign invaders in 1612, which marked the beginning of the overcoming of fratricidal turmoil, has more than three hundred-year tradition and symbolizes the unity of our multi-ethnic people.

This holiday unites the unfading ideals of citizenship and patriotism, spiritual development and devotion to true values, teaches us respect for the history and culture of our country and its religious and social traditions.

It is symbolic that the celebration of the National Unity Day is inextricably linked with one of the greatest spiritual shrines in Russia - the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God, with which Knyaz Dmitry Pozharsky entered liberated Moscow.

The revival of unique monuments of the past - the Ancient city of Bolgar and the island-town of Sviyazhsk, the reconstruction of the Cathedral of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God of the Virgin Monastery and the construction of the Bolgar Islamic Academy - became vivid examples of the unity of Tatarstan people, their loyalty to the principles of peaceful development and creation. The numerous events held this year and timed to the celebration of the 75th anniversary of Victory in the World War II and the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the Tatar Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic, were filled with a high patriotic content. We honor the memory of heroic deeds and are proud of the sincere desire of the Tatarstan people to serve their Fatherland.

Today, when our country is facing difficult challenges, it is especially important to strengthen interethnic and interfaith peace and civil harmony. The Year of Native Languages and National Unity, announced in Tatarstan, is aimed at contributing to this.

I am sure that through the joint efforts of the State and society, we are able to implement the most ambitious plans and projects for the prosperity of the native republic.

I wish everyone optimism, good health, happiness and well-being!

Happy Holiday, dear friends!

Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov.