On January 31, Chairman of Russia Muftis Council mufti sheikh Ravil Gaynutdin met with extraordinary and plenipotentiary ambassador of Iran in Russia Mr Mehdi Sanai.

The meeting was also attended by RMC deputy chairman Rushan hazrat Abbyasov, cultural expert Mr Seyid Jawad Arami, political advisor of Irani ambassador Mr Muslim Chinari, interpreter Hussein Jahangari and director of RMC's International department Ildar hazrat Galeev.

Mr Mehdi Sanai officially assumed his office on January 16, 2014, when he, along with ambassadors of several other countries, presented his letters of credence to the President of Russia Vladimir Putin. In this regard, mufti sheikh Ravil Gaynutdin noted that Mr Sanai's assignment at such an important moment in history of the Middle East and Islamic world is particularly important.

"Today, when the political stances of Russia and Iran on many international matters match each other, when strategies of both of our countries assume prevention of armed conflicts and interventions of third countries into the internal affairs of sovereign states, relations between Iranian and Russian Muslims will become even more friendly and close," stressed the Chairman of Russia Muftis Council.

During the meeting, both parties mentioned the high level of relations between Muslims of Russia and Iran. Ambassador of Iran Mehdi Sanai, in his turn, spoke highly of the role of Russian Muslims in strengthening the influence of Russia at the international arena, saying that moderate and progressive Islam that is traditional for Muslims of Russia is one of the defining factors for opposing radicalism and terrorism.

Mufti sheikh Ravil Gaynutdin told Mr Sanai of the events organized by Russia Muftis Council, including the annual Qur'an Reciting Competition in Moscow, international exhibition Moscow Halal Expo and an annual Muslim Forum to discuss theological and educational questions, as well as issues of socialization of the Ummah.

They also discussed cooperation in the areas of culture and art. Mufti sheikh Ravil Gaynutdin particularly noted the high level of Irani cinematography.

"It has already become traditional that Irani films place high at Kazan International Festival of Muslim Cinema, acquainting Russian audience with the masterpieces of Irani film-making," said RMC chairman.

In the end of the meeting, both parties agreed that Islam is a religion of peace and accord, and that members of Sunni and Shi'a branches of Islam must do whatever they can to prevent sectarian split and factionalism.

"We've all been witness to how peculiarities between madhabs can divide society and even lead to the dissolution of a country," stressed mufti sheikh Ravil Gaynutdin.

"The relations between Iranian Embassy and Russia Muftis Council are those of trust and mutual understanding, and we will continue our cooperation in future," said Mr Sanai.

RMC press service