Chairman of Russia Muftis Council mufti sheikh Ravil Gaynutdin sent his welcome address to the 1st Moscow International Forum "Religions and Peace". The address was voiced by deputy mufti Rushan hazrat Abbyasov.

"Dear participants of the 1st Moscow International Forum "Religions and Peace"!

Let me greet you with a Muslim greeting: As-salamu alaikum wa rahmatuLlahi wa barakatuhu—May peace, mercy and blessings of Allah be upon you!

The main topic of this Forum—"States and religions: models of coexistence and cooperation experience in public space"—is particularly important these days.

It's been nearly a quarter of a century since Russian citizens have obtained religious and political freedoms. On this day, twenty years ago, a foundation was laid for the development of state-religion relations, a foundation that was, in its turn, based on the principles of the Russian Constitution of 1993. It shouldn't go without mention that a new generation is now entering the age of civic and professional activism, a generation that hasn't seen Soviet Union and is free from atheist stereotypes.

And it is this young generation that will form our tomorrow and set future vectors of development for our country and society. We are living in the time of spiritual and moral revival, and we witness nowadays that more and more of our citizens turn for guidance to the holy scriptures of their religions rather than secular political doctrines—while not denying the laws of the state.

At the same time, it is important to keep in mind the destructive forces that try to break up centuries-old bonds of friendship and brotherhood between our countrymen of different religious and ethnic backgrounds. But as long as we stay united and follow the laws of our country, we can overcome all difficulties, find ways of communication and cooperation with each other and join our forces to build the better tomorrow of our country, Russia.

I am glad to know that many well-known and competent statesmen, public and religious figures have attended the Forum to discuss this important topic.

I pray for the success of this forum, and ask Almighty God to extend his blessings over all participants of this important event.

With kind prayers,

Mufti sheikh Ravil Gaynutdin

Chairman of Russia Muftis Council