The Russian Muftis Council, the Religious Board of Muslims of European part of Russia hosted a ceremony of signing of a Memorandum of Understanding and Cooperation between the RMC and the largest Sunni Muslim organization in Indonesia, "Nahdatul Ulama", whose leader - Aqeel Syed Siraj is staying with a visit in Russia. "Nahdatul Ulama» in Indonesia numbers more than 70 million Muslims of the Sunni scholars working in research and educational institutions in all sectors and spheres. "Nahdatul Ulama" has hundreds and thousands of mosques and madrasas in Indonesia, a country where Muslims make up more than 90 percent of 245 million population.

Welcoming the guests, the Mufti Sheikh Ravil Gaynutdin of RMC said that, like Russia, Indonesia is a multi-religious country, far away in distance, but close to us in spirit.

"You came to us with an open heart. We also warmly welcome you in Moscow," - the leader of the Muslims of Russia said.

The Mufti told the guests about the long tradition of cooperation with the Embassy of Indonesia in Russia, expressing his gratitude to the previous Ambassador Mr. Avalutdin and present Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Embassy of Indonesia Mr. Oratmangun and the Embassy staff , who made a lot for building cooperation in the field of education, business development of halal. According to previously signed agreements, our Muslim-students are educated in Indonesia in important areas of science.

The Mufti called this day as a historic because it marked a new stage in relations between the Muslims of Russia and Indonesia and aimed at strengthening the established connections. "We share close views to disseminate the principles  of al Vasatyyya – the moderation principle of Islam,  that promotes education and enlightment," - Ravil Gaynutdin said. "We are interested in implementing partnership arrangements. Idoneziya, as Russia has great potential. Unity in faith, high moral education unites Muslims in our countries. By signing the memorandum, we not only bring together Muslims of Russia and Indonesia, we bring two countries together in the framework of public diplomacy as well."