OREANDA-NEWS. October 6, 2008. Mr Medvedev said in particular in his message:

“Important celebrations are taking place over these days in the Republic of Chechnya. They commemorate events that took place 420 years ago. The year 1588 marked not just the start of active political and trade contacts between the Chechen and Russian peoples but was saw the opening up of our national cultures, traditions and customs to each other, giving rise to feelings of mutual respect and interest.

Having traversed the centuries and difficult times, the different peoples of Russia today live and work together in a single democratic country.

The hard-working and courageous people of Chechnya have always lovingly looked after their land. I am sure you will continue to everything you can to strengthen civil harmony and keep the Russian Federation growing.”

Relations between Chechnya and Russia are officially dated from 1588, when the first Chechen embassy, headed by Batai-Murza, arrived in Moscow and an agreement was reached on bringing the Chechens under Russia’s protection.