Ilsur Metshin presents Universiade commemorative medal to Kadir Topbas

(Kazan, KZN.RU, March 26, by Albert Murtazin) President of the World Organization "United Cities and Local Governments," Istanbul Mayor Kadir Topbas was awarded a commemorative medal of the 27th World Summer Universiade of 2013. Ilsur Metshin, UCLG co-president, president of the Eurasian branch of the organization and Tatarstan capital mayor, handed over the award to his colleague at Kazan Federal University, where Kadir Topbas delivered a public lecture for the students.

Kazan plays an important role in the international arena; the city hosts many world-class events, Kadir Topbas said during his lecture, delivered in the main University building. The capital of the Republic of Tatarstan and Istanbul have much in common, since both cities have more than a thousand years of history, and representatives of different cultures and ethnicities inhabit them, said the mayor of Istanbul. Relationships between the twin cities of Kazan and Istanbul are developing and growing stronger from day today, Kadir Topbas stated confidently.

The UCLG president said that today local authorities play a very important role in the life of any state as they take care of public interest. He added that the UCLG is the union of the world's largest cities, and that this organization is able to provide considerable assistance in solving problems on a county-wide basis. "Citizens always expect their problems to be addressed by the municipality. Therefore, it is necessary to develop local authorities. This will facilitate the development of a country as a whole. Of particular importance is the exchange of experience, because all cities have common problems," said Kadir Topbas.

Ilsur Metshin thanked his counterpart for the informative lecture. The head of the capital of Tatarstan also noted the university students' progress in the study of the Turkish language. "This is very important for the development of relations with our sister city, Istanbul. Our cities' future, as well as relations between Turkey and Russia, is in your hands," said the mayor.

In conclusion, Ilsur Metshin presented Kadir Topbas with a Universiade commemorative medal on behalf of the President of the Russian Federation. The mayor of Kazan recalled that Turkish companies had taken an active part in the conduct of the bidding campaign and in the construction of Universiade venues. The mayor expressed his hope that the relations between Kazan and Istanbul will continue to evolve in a positive way.