During his visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Chairman of the Religious Board of Muslims of the Russian Federation, Grand Mufti Sheikh Ravil Gaynutdin, held a meeting with Dr. Abdullatif bin Abdulaziz Al-Sheikh, Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah, and Guidance.

The Russian delegation included Deputy Chairmen of the RBM, Mufti Rushan Abbyasov, Ildar Galeev, and Dinar Gaynetdinov, as well as Ali Gurdin, General Director of the RBM’s official tour operator "Muslim Tour."

Participants in the meeting noted the high level and consistently positive trajectory of Russian-Saudi relations, largely driven by the efforts of Russian President Vladimir Putin and the leadership of Saudi Arabia represented by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al-Saud. They emphasized that the depth of trust between the two countries' leaders is reflected in the establishment of direct air services and the recent signing of an intergovernmental visa waiver agreement.

For his part, the Minister remarked that the development of contacts and ties in the religious sphere reflects the close interaction between the two countries at the political level. He also stated that he views Russian President Vladimir Putin as one of the defining figures of the contemporary era and Russia as one of the world's significant geopolitical poles.

Special attention during the discussion was given to the implementation of the Memorandum of Cooperation signed in 2019 and the corresponding roadmap adopted in 2022. Grand Mufti Sheikh Ravil Gaynutdin and Dr. Abdullatif bin Abdulaziz Al-Sheikh acknowledged the successful progress under the roadmap, including the realization of humanitarian projects and the participation of prominent Saudi religious figures in major international events organized by the RBM. They underscored that the foundation of this cooperation lies in a shared commitment to promoting the principles of moderation and centrism in Islam.

In conclusion, the participants assured each other of their intention to continue deepening cooperation for the benefit of the peoples of both countries.