Head Of Tatarstan Declared ‘Undesirable Person’ In Moldova, Not Allowed Out Of Plane

• 17.04.2023, 19:04

In early 2023, the U.S. imposed sanctions against Rustam Minnikhanov and his wife.

The Moldovan authorities did not let Head of the Republic of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov into the country and declared him an “undesirable person”. The head of the Russian region himself spoke about this in a video message published by the Gagauzinfo Telegram channel.

Minnikhanov flew to Moldova to participate in the International Congress of People's Diplomacy “Friendship of Peoples - 2023”, which is taking place in the city of Gagauzia. However, the head of Tatarstan was not allowed to get off the plane after landing at the airport in Chisinau. He was handed a document with a denial to enter the country.

In early 2023, the U.S. imposed sanctions against Rustam Minnikhanov and his wife.

“Unfortunately, the Moldovan authorities have decided that we are unwanted citizens who cannot visit [Moldova]. Therefore, unfortunately, we will not be able to take part in the congress,” said the head of Tatarstan.

The invitation to Minnikhanov to participate in the congress was issued by the deputy of the Moldovan parliament Alexander Sukhodolsky, the TASS deputy said. “I was waiting for Minnikhanov at the airport with all the documents. He was not even allowed to get off the plane at the Chisinau airport. They handed over a document stating that they were denied entry,” Sukhodolsky said.

Head of the Ak-Bars holding Ivan Egorov flew to Moldova together with Minnikhanov. He was also recognized as an “undesirable person” and was not allowed into the country, Mash notes.

The visit of the delegation of the head of Tatarstan was not coordinated with the Moldovan authorities, press secretary of the Border Police of Moldova Raisa Novitchi told reporters. In addition, according to her, the administration of the Gagauz autonomy does not plan to hold an international forum, Interfax reports.