The delegates of the Religious Board of Muslims of the Russian Federation visited Beirut and met the Supreme Mufti of Lebanon, Abdul Latif Derian.

During the meeting the deputy chairman of the RBMRF Ildar Alyautdinov conveyed greetings and best wishes from the religious leader of Russian Muslims, Mufti Sheikh Ravil Gainutdin, to the Mufti of Lebanon. The Mufti of Moscow spoke about his visit to Lebanon and humanitarian programmes implemented in several cities. He noted that the main purpose of the visit was to support orphans who have been in the care of Russian Muslims for a few years.

Ildar Alyautdinov emphasized that the Russian delegation regularly visited Lebanon to carry out charitable projects. These visits became possible thanks to the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation and the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Beirut.

He also added that Russian Muslims sincerely empathize with the economic and political crisis in Lebanon, and try to help the most vulnerable part of the population — refugees and orphans.

At the end of the meeting Ildar Alyautdinov, Mufti of Moscow, handed over a draft memorandum of understanding and cooperation between the RBM and the Fatwa authority of Lebanon. The memorandum covers bilateral cooperation in the academic, educational, social and charitable spheres.

The meeting participants also discussed strengthening of working contacts between the Council of Ulema of the RBMRF and the Department of Fatwa of Lebanon.

Abdulatif Derian expressed a high opinion of Russian Muslims' efforts and sent greetings to Mufti Sheikh Ravil Gainutdin. He confirmed that the Lebanese party was very interested in creating a legal framework by signing a memorandum of understanding and cooperation.