Mufti Sheikh Ravil Gainutdin, chairman of the Religious Board of Muslims of the Russian Federation and the Russia Muftis Council, met with the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Somalia to the Russian Federation, Mr Hassan Abdi Daud. The meeting was attended by deputy chairman of the RBMRF for International Affairs Rushan Abbyasov, first secretary of the Embassy of Somalia Jabir Ali Hassan and head of the International Department of the RBMRF Ildar Galeyev.

During the meeting Mufti Sheikh Ravil Gainutdin briefed the Ambassador on the history and current state of Russian ummah, as well as the wide range of local and international activities organized by the RMC. Mufti Sheikh Ravil Gainutdin also informed Mr. Ambassador on the RMC's activities in the humanitarian, academic, educational and other fields.

The head of RMC stressed that the ties and contacts between the peoples of Russia and Somalia have significant potential for development. "I am convinced that spiritual tools have as much contribution to strengthening international ties as the political and economic ones. Public diplomacy plays a big role in maintaining peace and harmony," said Mufti Sheikh Ravil Gaynutdin.

The parties noted that the Muslim communities of the two countries could maintain cooperation in the cultural, spiritual and educational spheres, including participation in theological conferences, issuing fatwas, establishing contacts with the halal industry entrereneurs and implementation of joint humanitarian projects.

The Somali Ambassador to the Russian Federation Mr. Hassan Abdi Daud assured the leader of Russian Muslims of the Embassy's readiness to provide assistance for the development of bilateral relations and expressed gratitude for the warm welcome and informative conversation.

Mufti Sheikh Ravil Gainutdin thanked Mr Ambassador for his openness and willingness to cooperate and presented him with the books "Moscow Cathedral Mosque" and "Mosques of Russia".