During a working visit to the Republic of Turkey, Rushan Abbyasov (first deputy chairman of the Russia Muftis Council, deputy chairman of the RBMRF) with the Mufti of Istanbul Safi Arpagush.

Rushan Abbyasov conveyed the greetings from the leader of Russian Muslims Mufti Sheikh Ravil Gainutdin, as well as condolences in connection with the earthquake in Turkey, which resulted in more than 40,000 deaths. He noted that Russian Muslims immediately took action by collecting and sending funds, clothes and household items to the affected region, and they prayed for the victims.

The Mufti of Istanbul sincerely thanked Russian Muslims for their such valuable and timely support.

While discussing cooperation, the parties emphasized the current interaction and efforts undertaken by the RBMRF and the Turkish Directorate of Religious Affairs within the framework of the existing agreement on cooperation in the field of fatwa issuing, humanitarian, educational, cultural and other spheres. The parties agreed to develop cooperation in these fields through joint projects and programmes.

At the end of the meeting Rushan Abbyasov invited Mufti Safi Arpagush to visit Moscow and presented the book "The Mosques of Russia" published by the "Chitai" publishing house in connection with the 1100-anniversary of official adoption of Islam by the Volga Bulgarians.