March 29, at the invitation of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatars, Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov attended the extraordinary Kurultaj (Congress) of the Crimean Tatars. The Kurultaj considered urgent tasks of Mejlis in a new situation, turned out in the Crimean Tatar society.

In his speech to the delegates , President of Tatarstan R.N.Minnekhanov assured the audience that he would make every effort to strengthen the fraternal ties between the two nations, to the development of mutual cooperation.

He also expressed his desire to defend the interests of the Crimean Tatars in the Russian federal authorities, made a promise to be the guardian of the interests in all possible circumstances.

Among the most burning issues that caused heated discussions at the Congress can be called such as, an attitude to obtain Russian passports, participation in the new government structures at various levels, as well as delegating their representatives to the Council of State and Government of the Republic of Crimea. With a great interest, creating a national-territorial autonomy of the Crimean Tatars on the peninsula was discussed. All presentations made at the forum were riddled with concern about the fate of the Crimean Tatars nation.

Having heard numerous speeches and considering the diversity of opinions, the Kurultai delegates when making decisions and resolutions proceeded from the realities existing situation. Thus, Kurultai of the Crimean Tatars recommend compatriots not to abandon obtaining Russian passports. It was also decided in the shortest possible time to send representatives of the Crimean Tatars to participate in the Council of State and Government of the Crimea. Responsible for carrying out this work, the delegates instructed the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatars.

Chairman of the Executive Committee of the World Congress of Tatars Rinat Zakirov also participated in the work of Kurultai.