Today Mufti Sheikh Ravil Gaynutdin received Laurie Bristow, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United Kingdom in Russia.

The meeting was also attended by Haris Saubyanov, deputy chairman of the RMC, Ildar Galeyev, head of the International Department, Marsel Mirsayapov, head of Department for OIC countries, and Jonathan Evans, First Secretary of the British Embassy for Political Affairs.

Mufti Sheikh Ravil Gaynutdin greeted the guests within the walls of the Moscow Cathedral Mosque and told them about the history and activity of two leading religious organizations of Russian Muslims headed by him — SBMRF and RMC.

The British diplomats expressed particular interest in the 11th International Muslim Forum on “Religion, identity and integration, and the transformation of values”, which took place in London on 14-16 December 2015. Leaders of Muslim communities and muftis from Russia and European countries participated in the Forum.

According to Mufti Sheikh Ravil Gaynutdin, the reports of the participants drew the audience’s attention to the issue of ISIS and the efforts of Muslim scholars aimed at exposing this organizations’ ideology. The speakers also touched upon the refugees’ issue in the context of their integration in European societies. Environmental problems were also discussed at the 11th International Muslim Forum.

The leader of Russian Muslims said that the European Muslim communities expressed great interest in holding similar events in their countries. They are willing to explore the experience of Russian Muslims related to integration, dialogue with state authorities and different parts of society.

Furthermore, the head of the RMC and SBMRF expressed gratitude for the efforts made by European countries, including the UK, for receiving refugees from the Middle East, in particular from Syria. “Russian Muslims are greatful to the UK authorities for providing accommodation facilities for them” — he said, noting, though, that recruiters for terrorist organization might also enter Europe in the guise of refugees. This problem demands particular attention.

The parties emphasized the role of education in preventing and fighting terrorism and extremism.
Mufti Sheikh Ravil Gaynutdin and Mr Bristow agreed on sharing experience regarding classes on religious awareness in schools and prisons. The spiritual leader of Russian Muslims informed the guests about the measures taken by the SBMRF and RMC in that direction: having discussions and reading lectures for imprisoned Muslims, providing prayer facilities, conducting prayers in congregation, distributing literature and other kinds of religious activities.

The Ambassador congratulated Mufti Sheikh Ravil Gaynutdin and all Russian Muslims on the belated Eid.

The Parties also notices positive changes in the public opinion in Russia and the UK regarding being able to distinguish between common Muslims (students, workers, scholars etc) as patriots and law-abiding citizens and extremists with no motherland or religion calling to destruction and chaos.

Interethnic relationships issues, fear of immigrants, xenophobia and Islamophobia were also discussed at the meeting. The parties agreed to cooperate in order to find a way to solve them.

The meeting took place in a productive and warm atmosphere. The guests had an opportunity to learn more about the Moscow Cathedral mosque and its different activities. Mufti Sheikh Ravil Gaynutdin and Mr Laurie Bristow exchanged gifts.