A delegation of the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) led by the chief of the political bureau, Ismail Haniya, visited the Moscow Cathedral Mosque.
 
The delegation was received by Rushan Abbyasov, first deputy chairman of the Russian Muftis Council.
 
The meeting with the delegates, who arrived in Moscow upon the invitation of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was also attended by Ildar Galeev (head of the RMC International department) and Dr. Salem Zalam (leading expert).
 
Rushan Abbyasov conveyed greetings on behalf of the Chairman of the Russian Muftis Council and the Religious Board of Muslims of the Russian Federation Mufti Sheikh Ravil Gainutdin.
 
“We are happy to have established close fraternal relations with our fellow believers from Palestine. It has become a tradition for Palestinian delegations to visit the country's major mosque, where Mufti Sheikh Ravil Gaynutdin conducts regular meetings with our brothers in faith ”noted Rushan Abbyasov.
 
He recalled the long-standing ties of the Russian Muftis Council and the Religious Board of Muslims of the Russian Federation with the leadership of Palestine and especially with President Mahmoud Abbas.
 
“Russian Muslims support the stance of the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin aimed at creating an independent Palestinian state with a capital in East Jerusalem,” he added.
 
During the conversation, the parties discussed pressing international issues and exchanged views on the Middle East agenda.

According to Rushan Abbyasov, Russian Muslims are aware of the difficult situation in the Gaza Strip, and the leadership of the RMC is closely monitoring the events and provides assistance to the people of Palestine. In particular, the Zakat Foundation under the RMC has been participating in the organization and implementation of numerous humanitarian programs for the last several years.
 
The first deputy chairman of the RMC stated that the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem was one of the sacred places for Muslims. The official Haj operator of the Russian Muftis Council “Muslim Tour” has been offering hundreds of pilgrims Umrah programs that include visits to Makkah, Medina and Jerusalem.
 
Ismail Haniya conveyed greetings to Mufti Sheikh Ravil Gainutdin and the Muslim Ummah of Russia and expressed gratitude to the Russian Muftis Council and the Religious Board of Muslims of the Russian Federation for supporting the interests of the Palestinian people.
 
At the end of the meeting, the parties exchanged souvenirs and asked Allah to grant Palestine the long-awaited peace, stability, and prosperity.