The Chairman of the Russian Muftis Council and the Spiritual Board of Russia, Mufti Sheikh Ravil Gaynutdin met the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Lebanon in Moscow, Chawki Bou Nassar.

The meeting was also attended by Rushan Abbyasov, First Deputy Chairman of the RMC and the SBMRF, and Ildar Galeyev, head of the International Department of the RMC.

The parties discussed the current political situation in Syria, Iraq, Lebanon and on the Middle East in general. Mr Ambassador revealed the position of Lebanon regarding the Syrian crisis and the prolonged presidential elections in his country. He also noted the strong relations between Russia and Lebanon and mentioned the active development of cooperation in many fields, such as politics, economy, security and arms.

Mufti Sheikh Ravil Gaynutdin in his turn thanked the Ambassador for participating in the events organized by the RMC and the SBMRF, assisting in organization of the Qur'an Reciting Competition in Moscow, as well as conferences, exhibitions and workshops. In order to encourage further cooperation, the parties found it necessary to sign a memorandum of cooperation with the Muftiyat of Lebanon (Dar al-fatwa) and to arrange an official visit of Abdul-Latif Daryan, the mufti of Lebanon.

Mufti Sheikh Ravil Gaynutdin appraised highly the conference “Christians and their role on the Middle East”, which took place this July with the support of the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Lebanon in Russia, Mr Chawki Bou Nassar. The Spiritual leader of Russian Muslims expressed his support to the initiative aimed at maintaining peaceful interfaith dialogue. He noted that Russia always supported any initiatives for the benefit of universal human values, justice, mutual respect and equality. Similar to the Middle East, Russia combines both Christian and Muslim cultures.

Mufti Sheikh Ravil Gaynutdin emphasized that the devotion of the Lebanese society to democratic values and its tolerance can serve as an example for other Arab countries.

The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Lebanon in Moscow invited Mufti Sheikh Ravil Gaynutdin to Lebanon with an official visit.

The parties agreed to develop further cooperation.