On Thursday, September 16, the chairman of the Religious Board of Muslims of the Russian Federation and the Russia Muftis Council Mufti Sheikh Ravil Gainutdin met with the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Tunisia, Mr Tarek Bin Salam.

The meeting was attended by Rushan Abbyasov, first deputy chairman of the RMC, Damir Mukhetdinov, first deputy chairman of the RBMRF, and Ildar Galeyev, head of the International Department of the RBMRF.

Mufti Sheikh Ravil Gainutdin noted that Russia and Tunisia have a long history of friendly relations. He said that in 1920 about 6000 Russians, including Muslims, arrived in Tunisia, where they settled and subsequently made a significant contribution to the scientific, social and cultural life of the country. He also added that this year marks the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

Mufti Sheikh Ravil Gainutdin went on to note that Tunisia is one of the leading partners of Russia in Africa and the Middle East. There is an ongoing exchange of views on the situation in North Africa in the context of international efforts aimed at fighting extremism and terrorism. The Mufti also thanked Mr Ambassador for the fact that Tunisia was among the first African states to register the Russian vaccine Sputnik V, which is recognised as halal by the Council of Ulema of the RBMRF. He added that this demonstrated the responsible approach of the Tunisian authorities to the health of their citizens and the high level of trust in Russia.

Mufti Sheikh Ravil Gainutdin also spoke about public diplomacy between the peoples of Russia and Tunisia, mentioning the considerable contribution of the Russian Ummah. In particular, the Mufti talked about his productive visit to Tunisia, following which the Tunisian Hafizs began to take part in the annual Moscow international Qur'an Reciting Competition. The Mufti said that cooperation in the field of history and culture was very important and could be greatly promoted next year thanks to the events marking the 1100th anniversary of the adoption of Islam by the people of the Volga Bulgaria, and invited the Tunisian government institutions to participate in these events.

The Ambassador highly appreciated the activity of the Religious Board of Muslims of the Russian Federation headed by Mufti Sheikh Ravil Gainutdin, noting that the efforts of Russian Muslims in promoting the peaceful nature of Islam are exemplary.