A meeting between RMC and SAM RF Chairman mufti sheikh Ravil Gaynutdin and extraordinary and plenipotentiary ambassador of the United States in Moscow John F. Tefft took place in RMC residency. The key topic of the discussion was the the reaction of the public to the publication of offensive caricatures, and cooperation between states and nations in fighting extremism and radicalism.

In the beginning of the meeting, Russian spiritual leader told of the vast international activities of Russian Muslims, including cooperation with their co-believers and Muslim organizations in the United States. Mufti sheikh Ravil Gaynutdin especially stressed the peacemaking activities and public diplomacy and mediation efforts of the Russian Muslims, including the integration of Crimean Tatars into Russian legal framework and protection of their rights as well as mediation of Ukrainian domestic conflict.

The mufti told of the ongoing restoration of spiritual and humanitarian ties between the Muslims of the Commonwealth of Independent States, Muslim communities in Eastern and Western Europe and the role of Russian Muslims in the strengthening of Moscow-Ankara-Tehran-Doha axis.

"We, the Muslims of Russia, feel our responsibility for the fate of all Muslims and put our efforts to be perceived as the successors of great scientists, polymaths and educators that enriched humanity with ingenious advances and even founded completely new branches of human knowledge. Muslims are men of peace and must spread peace, as the God commands us to," said mufti sheikh Ravil Gaynutdin. He also expressed his confidence that the problem of extremism and terrorism may be solved only by joint efforts of all humanity.

Mr John Tefft, in his turn, expressed his appreciation of the activities of Russia Muftis Council and the Spiritual Administration of Muslims, their preaching of good neighbourliness and peaceful coexistence, saying that the Americans noted the position of Russian Muslims on publishing the caricatures of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in France. The American diplomat shares the opinion that the religion of Islam is calling to peace and does not * terrorism and aggression.

Speaking about the offensive caricatures, mufti sheikh Ravil Gaynutdin told that the mass rally in Grozny that brought together more than a million people under peaceful slogans and with motto "We love Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)" should serve as an example of such rallies around the world. He also said that Russian Muslims are grateful to the Pope Francis for speaking out against sacrilege and for respecting all faiths and cultures. "The Pontiff showed himself a religious figure who cares about believers of all faiths," stressed Russian Muslim leader, speaking with John F. Tefft who is practising Catholic himself.

After inviting the ambassador to the forthcoming festival of Mawlid an-Nabi, mufti also told him about the results of the X International Muslim Forum "Mission of religion and the responsibility of its followers before the challenge of modernity" that took place on December 10−12, 2014 as well as publishing and educational projects directed against the spread of extremism and for cultural and intellectual development of the Muslim community.

The meeting was attended by SAM RF deputy chairmen Damir Muhetdinov and Farid Asadullin. In the end of the meeting, the parties thanked each other for cooperation and expressed their intention to continue the dialog.

SAM RF press service