13 May 2025
On the instructions of the Chairman of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of the Russian Federation, Chief Mufti Sheikh Ravil Gainutdin, his deputy Mufti Rushan Abbyasov received in the Moscow Cathedral Mosque a high-ranking guest - Chairman of the Senate of the Parliament of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Yusuf Raza Gilani.
The meeting was attended by Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Pakistan to the Russian Federation Muhammad Khalid Jamali, Embassy staff, as well as Deputy Head of the International Department of the RBM of the Russian Federation Islam Kozhevnikov.
On behalf of the spiritual leader of Russian Muslims, Chief Mufti Sheikh Ravil Gainutdin, Rushan Hazrat conveyed warm words of greetings to Mr. Gilani and in his person to the leadership and people of Pakistan. He spoke about the history of Islam in Russia, the rich cultural heritage of the Russian Ummah, the existing educational and religious institutions, noting the contribution of Muslims to the development of Russian society.
During the conversation Mufti Rushan Abbyasov emphasized that Russian Muslims in their prayers tirelessly ask the Almighty for the triumph of peace and justice on Earth, for the prevention of spilling human blood and peaceful resolution of conflicts through diplomatic means. He expressed his prayerful gratitude to the Creator that Pakistan and India have reached an agreement on cessation of hostilities against each other.
The participants of the meeting emphasized the importance of the development of interethnic and interreligious dialogue. Mr. Rushan Hazrat noted that thanks to the policy of Russian President Vladimir Putin and the actions of the Government, good-neighborliness reigns in Russian society, representatives of almost 200 peoples live in harmony, build the future together and defend the Fatherland, the Council for Cooperation with Religious Associations under the President of the Russian Federation and the Interreligious Council of Russia are working effectively.
Mr. Gilani, in turn, emphasized the importance of interreligious dialogue for Pakistan, where, despite the predominant Muslim population, the rights of religious minorities are respected and protected, and their representatives are included in the government. He noted the importance of the work of religious figures who pay great attention to the education of young people, calling for peace, enlightenment and spirituality.
The sides paid special attention to the issue of countering extremism, xenophobia and radicalism. The participants of the meeting expressed a common opinion that the efforts of state, religious and public figures should be aimed at preserving peace within the countries and in the international arena.
As part of the discussion of the prospects of bilateral cooperation, Mufti Rushan Abbyasov emphasized the active participation of Pakistan's representatives in international projects of the RBM of the Russian Federation, including the Muslim International Forum and the Moscow International Quran Recitation Contest. He expressed gratitude to Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Mr. Jamali for his personal contribution to the development of Russian-Pakistani interaction.
Following the meeting, the sides agreed to strengthen cooperation for the benefit of the peoples of the two countries.