Question: 2020 has been announced the year of the 100^th anniversary of the foundation of the Tatar Autonomous Socialist Soviet Republic within the recently formed Russian Federated Socialist Soviet Republic (RSFSR). In your opinion, what does the Republic have to show for this round anniversary?

Sergey Lavrov: I think we should assess what it has to show as quite considerable, strong and positive. The Republic is conspicuous and recognisable internationally. Russian federal ministries cooperate with the authorities of Tatarstan very closely, and not only in our everyday work, where President Rustam Minnikhanov, other officials and we deal with current issues, but also in system terms, because Tatarstan is a pro-active member of the Government Commission on Compatriots Living Abroad. The World Congress of Tatars is an important soft power tool that helps to promote the interests of compatriots of all peoples of the Russian Federation in foreign countries. Kazan is invariably represented as a very active member on the Government Commission on Compatriots Living Abroad, and our friends from Tatarstan are active at the Council of Heads of the Russian Regions under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation. Tatarstan’s experience is quite promising and in demand with other Russian regions in practically every format, where the Foreign Ministry collaborates with the regions. 

Let me congratulate from the bottom of my heart all my friends in Tatarstan and the people of your Republic on this special anniversary.