On 9 February, Ildar Alyautdinov (deputy chairman of the Russia Muftis Council and chairman of the Moscow Religious Board of Muslims), met with the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Syria to the Russian Federation, Bashar Jaafari. On behalf of Mufti Sheikh Ravil Gainutdin and himself Ildar Alyautdinov expressed sincere condolences to the people of Syria in connection with the recent earthquake and assured that Russian Muslims were ready to provide all possible assistance.

The parties discussed possible cooperation ways to solve the most critical problems. Bashar Jaafari noted that most needed items include dry baby food, personal hygiene items for children and adults, mattresses, tents, etc. Specialized heavy equipment such as welding machines, air compressors, light projectors, electric mills and power generators, is also needed to restore the infrastructure. The Syrian ambassador thanked the RMC for its help and assistance.

The parties decided thet the required equipment would be purchased and sent to Syria through Rossotrudnichestvo. We would like to remind that funds and warm clothes are still being collected for the victims of the earthquake in Turkey and Syria.