Greeting of the President of the Republic of Tatarstan Mr. Mintimer Shaimiev

I am sincerely glad to greet the participants of the IX World Congress of the Organization of World Heritage Cities and the guests of the capital of the Republic of Tatarstan for whom the issues of historical and cultural monuments preservation are of a particular interest.

It is a great honor for us, the people of Tatarstan and its capital – Kazan, where the seat of one of seven regional sections is successfully operating for several years, to host so important international forum that for the first time will be held in the territory of Eurasian region.

Preserving and handing the unique cultural heritage to descendants and introducing it to the whole world are noble and important work that requires a great patience, enthusiasm and perception of its social importance. Our republic possesses positive experience in the field of historical monuments preservation and investigation. I hope that the guests of Tatarstan will have a chance to familiarize themselves with the work of republican experts on preservation and harmonious and efficient development of historical cities and objects; a chance to see remarkable results of their activity and, first of all, our pride, the gem of the ancient capital – Kazan Kremlin that is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Today the effective usage of unique historical and cultural monuments and architectural objects as a real advantage in developing new branches of cultural tourism industry and a source of revenue for sustainable economic development of the regions and municipalities is of particular urgency. With all my heart I wish participants of the Congress the productive work and fruitful exchange of views, success in noble mission on preservation of the richest historical and cultural heritage of the mankind.

I am sure, that uniting our efforts at this strategic direction, we act in the interests and for the welfare of the future generations, provide succession in cultural development and contribute to forming constructive dialogue between cultures and civilizations which is an important factor for sustainable development of the world community.