The Moscow Islamic Institute and Nahdatul Ulama University in Yogyakarta (Indonesia) signed a Memorandum of Understanding at the Religious Board of Muslims of the Russian Federation.

The document was signed by the first deputy chairman of the Religious Board of Muslims of the Russian Federation, principal of the Moscow Islamic Institute, Professor Damir Mukhetdinov and the principal of the Nahdatul Ulama University in Yogyakarta, Mr Widya Priyahita Pujibudojo.

The signed memorandum includes exchange of best practices, publication of scientific research and articles, use of databases and sources, joint publications and exchange of book products, conducting academic and cultural events, student exchange and many other aspects.

The University operates under the auspices of Nahdatul Ulama, the largest Sunni movement in Indonesia. The university has five faculties, including the Faculty of Islamic Studies and the Faculty of Halal Industry. More than 1800 students are currently attending the university.

The Religious Board of Muslims of the Russian Federation and the Russia Muftis Council have been developing relations with the Nahdatul Ulama, which currently has 108 million followers, more than 20,000 madrassas and hundreds of mosques, since 2012, when a Memorandum of Understanding and Cooperation was signed between the religious leader of Russian Muslims, Mufti Sheikh Ravil Gainutdin, and the then leader of the movement, Said Aqil Siraj.