A solemn ceremony in honor of enlisting of the Bulgarian historical and archaeological complex in the UNESCO World Heritage List is held today at the Tatar State Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre named after Musa Jalil

A  solemn ceremony in honor of enlisting  of the Bulgarian historical and archaeological complex in the UNESCO World Heritage List was held today at  the Tatar State Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre named after Musa Jalil (Kazan). The event was attended by the President of the Republic of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov,  UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova, State Councillor of the Republic of Tatarstan  Mintimer Shaimiev, Russia's permanent representative to UNESCO Eleonora Mitrofanov and other officials.

The solemn ceremony has been  opened    by a choreographed "Wind  of centuries."

The opening statement  has been performed  by  UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova. She, in particular, recalled that Russia celebrates the 60th anniversary of the entry into UNESCO. We have a strong relationship with Russia in  preservation of historical and cultural heritage, said Irina Bokova, in this regard, cooperation with Tatarstan is of outstanding importance.

Irina Bokova congratulated the Government of the Russian Federation and the government of the Republic of Tatarstan, as well as all citizens of the republic on this momentous occasion - getting the certificate of UNESCO. The inclusion of an object in the list of UNESCO - is only beginning of our path, said Irina Bokova, it  is the beginning of the historical journey of the Bolgarian complex in the future. According to her, much should be done  to pass the historical and cultural heritage for future generations.

Irina Bokova also said that not every certificate she  presents in person, but this time promised  to  Tatarstan State Advisor M. Shaimiev that would   come by herself.  I know how much Mintimer Shaimiev   has  made for  Bolgarian complex included in the list of UNESCO, said   UNESCO Director-General. It is our common success, she said, now the Bolgarian complex belongs not only to Russia and Tatarstan, but also around the world.

UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova handed over a certificate to the President of the Republic of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov.

In turn, Rustam Minnikhanov said that Bolgar  is a place of voluntary acceptance of Islam in the most northern Eurasia, the spiritual center of Muslims. Adding to the list of UNESCO confirms the exceptional universal value of Bolgar in the retention facility for the benefit of mankind. This long-awaited victory for us, he said, we were going to it  for years.

Press Service President of the Republic of Tatarstan