Russian President Vladimir Putin praised the role of Bashkortostan's first president, Murtaza Rakhimov, at a turning point in the country's history.
"[Murtaza Rakhimov] made a significant contribution to the development of the republic in its new capacity - as a subject of the Russian Federation, conducted a very balanced national policy, and took a practical, real participation in the life of the whole of Russia," the head of state said at a meeting with leader of Bashkortostan Radiy Khabirov on Friday. According to Putin, Rakhimov "without any exaggeration played a very important, stabilizing role at a turning point in Russian history." "This is a huge merit of his," the president is sure.
He pointed out that under Rakhimov's leadership Bashkortostan "lived and recovered from the well-known tragic events - the collapse of the Soviet Union - for almost 20 years." "And it has achieved a lot," stated the head of state. "I know that you were a member of his team and that you also worked with him. I would like to extend my sincere condolences to his family, the leadership of the republic and all the residents of Bashkortostan," he addressed the head of the region.
Putin noted that he knew Rakhimov well in person. "We had a good relationship," he shared.
Earlier on Friday, Putin came to Ufa to bid farewell to Rakhimov. The first president of Bashkortostan died on January 11, he was 88 years old.
GSV "Russia - Islamic world"
Photo: official website of the President of the Russian Federation
Based on materials from TASS