On January 20, the first President of Tatarstan, State Councillor of the Republic Mintimer Shaimiev turns 85.
The first President of Kalmykia, sixth FIDE President Kirsan Ilyumzhinov sent his best wishes to his elder friend on his 85th birthday:
“Dear Mintimer Sharipovich, please accept my best wishes on your 85th birthday! I am proud of our long-term, since 1990, friendship! Thanks to your incredible diligence and organizational talent, you have come a long and difficult way, leading the republic in a critical, difficult period. Under your leadership, programmes that have brought the region to a leading position in Russia have been implemented.
Throughout your life path, you always remain true to your principles: honesty and devotion to the ideals of serving the Motherland. Political wisdom, rich experience and sincere devotion to the interests of the state are the basis of your unquestioned authority and deep respect among the peoples of Tatarstan and Russia.
I admire your love for chess! I know that you are sincerely fond of this ancient game and I always remember your words: "Chess is an endless opportunity for the realization of human intelligence."
With all my heart I wish you, Mintimer Sharipovich, good health, well-being, happiness, success in all your affairs and undertakings.”
