April 1, State Counselor of the Republic of Tatarstan, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the National Foundation for revival of historical and cultural monuments Mintimer Shaimiev heading Tatarstan delegation arrived in the capital of the French Republic to participate in the appointment ceremony of famous pianist and social activist Denis Matsuev as UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador. To participate in a concert in Paris also the State Symphony Orchestra of the Republic of Tatarstan arrived.

The delegation of Tatarstan: Assistant to the President Social Affairs , Executive Director of the National Foundation for revival of historical and cultural monuments Tatiana Larionova, RT Minister of Culture Airat Sibagatullin, RT Plenipotentiary Representative in France Iskander Yusupov, head of department of culture and development of the languages of the Republic of Tatarstan RT Cabinet of Ministers, Executive Secretary of the RT Commission for UNESCO Gulshat Nigmatullina.

April 2, afternoon, Mintimer Shaimiev met with Kishore RAO – Director of the World Heritage Centre. Mintimer Shaimiev invited him to a concert by Denis Matsuev and the State Symphony Orchestra of Tatarstan. Kishar Rao noted that in 2012, when the session the World Heritage Committee held in St. Petersburg, he went to a lovely concert of the RT State Song and Dance Ensemble.

“The process of revival of historical monuments in the republic taught us much, so we are in our own country, at the Architecture Academy organized a training in the field of historic preservation . Since Russia has no such expertise , so it will be a unique team , “- Mintimer Shaimiev said. ” In this regard, we invite to give lectures by experienced professionals with a worldwide reputation, to which you belong . For us it would be very valuable if you took the time to come to Kazan and share your experiences with our students , ” – he said.

Director of the World Heritage Centre thanked M.Shaimiev for long-term cooperation. ” I know you – a great friend of UNESCO, always support our organization interesting initiatives, events, concerts ,” – he stressed. Accepting the offer rendered by M.Shaimiev, he promised to find time for this very necessary work with students.

In the evening, State Counselor Mintimer Shaimiev and Tatarstan delegation took part in the ceremony of assignment of a renowned pianist, public figure , People’s Artist of Russia Denis Matsuev Goodwill Ambassador of UNESCO. The ceremony was held in the hall of the UNESCO headquarters on the Avenue de Syufren.

After it, a concert with Denis Matsuev and the State Symphony Orchestra of the Republic of Tatartsan took place. The concert was organized with the support of the President of the Republic of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov and Foundation for Social and Cultural Initiatives of Russia.

After the concert , a meeting between M. Shaimiev and Tatars living in France, organized by the RT Plenipotentiary Representative in France Iskander Yusupov was held. One of the leaders of the Tatar Diaspora in France, Representative Assembly of ” Tatars Europe” Alfiya Azizova on behalf of all the compatriots thanked M.Shaimiev for a wonderful concert and expressed a wish to see the performances in Paris and other famous collectives of Tatarstan. Representatives of the Tatar Diaspora asked RT State Counselor their questions. Mintimer Shaimiev noted that continuity in support of compatriots living abroad continues – Rustam Minnikhanov shows great attention to their requests and wishes.