First deputy chairman of the Russian Muftis Council, Rushan hazrat Abbyasov, visited the capital of the Turkey, Ankara, during a working trip. The delegation also included Ali Gurdin, general director of the official haj operator of the Russian Muslim Council —Muslim Tour.

During the visit to the Presidency of Religious Affairs the first deputy chairman of the RMC and the SBMRF Rushan hazrat Abbyasov met the head of the Haj and Umrah department, Dursun Aygun. Rushan hazrat Abbyasov conveyed greetings on behalf of the religious leader of Russian Muslims, mufti sheikh Ravil Gaynutdin, and informed the Turkish colleague about the current activity of spiritual boards of Muslims and implementation of joint projects. The parties acknowledged the need for deepening cooperation and increasing the number of common initiatives.

The issues of cooperation in the area of haj and umrah were also on the agenda. Dursun Aygun told the Russian delegates about the Presidency's structure and its work, highlighting the areas where Turkey was ready to implement common projects. In this context the Turkish experience related to pilgrimage organization is highly remarkable. Every year over 200 000 people go to Saudi Arabia, including 80 000 pilgrims performing haj. It should be noted that every year over 2 mln people apply for haj.

“For the Russia Muftis Council and its accredited haj operator, Muslim Tour, cooperation with foreign partners, examining their experience is important in order to increase the organization level and convenience for Russian pilgrims”, — said Rushan hazrat Abbyasov.

The parties agreed on further fruitful cooperation.