The residence of Russian Muftis Council hosted the meeting of the Chairman of the RMC Mufti Sheikh Ravil Gaynutdin with Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Syrian Arab Republic in Moscow Riad Haddad. The meeting was attended by the Deputy Chairman, Chief of staff of RMC Rushan hazrat Abbyasov.

Mr. Riad Haddad headed the diplomatic mission of his country to Russia this summer.

The agenda of today's talks with the spiritual leader of Muslims of Russia included not only the interaction between Muslim organizations, but also the Russian-Syrian bilateral relations, situation in Syria and the topical problems of regional and international agenda.

The Chairman of the Russian Muftis Council, welcoming the distinguished guest, stressed the long-standing good relations between Russia and Syria and close and friendly relations with the Muslim spiritual leadership of Syria. Personal acquaintance of Sheikh Ravil Gaynutdin with a revered in the Muslim world and the late Mufti Ahmad Kuftaru began in the mid 80s of last century. It was a period of mutual visits, close cooperation and rapprochement of our countries and peoples. Muslim organizations continue cooperating, despite the difficult situation in Syria and around the region.

Mufti Ravil Gaynutdin expressed sincere gratitude for the greetings sent by Mufti of Syria Ahmad Hassoun BADRETDIN and conveyed sincere good wishes in response.

The Chairman of the RMC, who is also a member of the Council for Cooperation with Religious Associations at the Russian President, assured the Ambassador that the Muslims of Russia shared the view the country's leaders that was repeatedly voiced by Prime Minister Putin and Foreign Minister Lavrov that Russia supported the preservation of sovereignty, unity and integrity of the Syrian Arab Republic.

"All sensible people clearly understand that the pressure and attempts to interfere in the affairs of a sovereign state from abroad will lead to the development of the situation of North Africa scenario, Spring 2011", - the Chairman of the RMC stressed.

Mr. Riad Haddad informed the Mufti about the steps of reform already taken in his country. This is proven by the recently holding of the local elections on a multiparty system of local government. Upcoming in February parliamentary elections and the next presidential election will consolidate a multiparty system. Pluralism and freedom of speech for the media will take place. "In our political life we ??use and appreciate the experience of Russia's democratic transformation," – Mr. Haddad said.

The Ambassador once again coveyed an invitation to the Russian Muslim leader to visit Syria. Repeated invitations from Syria and the Syrian diaspora in Moscow, always expressing the highest respect for Mufti Sheikh Ravil Gaynutdin, gratefully accepted by our side, but the political instability in Syria has prevented the fulfillment of the visit.

During today's meeting the possibility of the visit to Syria by the delegation of the RMC in the spring of next has been tentatively discussed.