Farid Asadullin, advisor to the Chairman of the Russian Muftis Council, met a prominent public and political figure of Libya, Aref Ali Nayed, in the Moscow Cathedral Mosque, during his stay in Moscow.

The meeting was attended by Dmitry Smirnov, Advisor to the General Director of JSC "Zarubezhneft", employees of the RMC International Department and the Libyan Institute for Advanced Studies.

The parties discussed the history of relations between Islamic public and religious organizations in Russia and Libya, their formation and development in the 20th century, but the main emphasis was placed on the prospects of possible cooperation.


The RMC representatives expressed great interest in the view of Mr. Aref Ali Nayed regarding the current situation in the country and the expansion of national dialogue between different social and political powers.

The Libyan guest was provided comprehensive information about the educational and international activities of the Russian Muftis Council and the Religious Board of Muslims of the Russian Federation, as well as the organized and upcoming events, such as «The Spiritual Silk Road», «Public Dialogue: Russia and the Arab World», the World Public Forum «The Dialogue of Civilizations», the exhibition  «Islamic Traditions in Russia», The International Moscow Qur'an Reciting competition, Moscow Halal Expo and other significant events and projects.


The guest also met the Russian President's Special Representative for the Middle East and Africa, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia M.L. Bogdanov and the academic supervisor of the RAS Institute of Oriental Studies, V.V. Naumkin.

Mr. Aref Ali Nayeda was highly satisfied with the meeting, which was followed by an agreement aimed at expanding academic and religious ties and contacts, as well as developing people's diplomacy between our countries. Dr. Aref Nayed expressed gratitude for the organization of the visit to the Moscow Cathedral Mosque.