Secretary
General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Dr. Yousef A. Al-Othaimeen
held a meeting on 7 November, at the OIC headquarters in Jeddah, with His
Eminence Sheikh Rawi Ayn Al- Deen, Chairman of the Muftis Council in Russia and
head of the Religious Board for Muslims in the Russian Federation.
Sheikh Ayn Al-Deen conveyed to the OIC Secretary General the greetings of H.E.
President Vladimir Putin and the Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sergei
Lavrov, along with the sincere desire of the Russia leadership to develop and
promote relations with the Islamic world.
On his part, the Secretary General expressed his appreciation to the Russian
leadership and highlighted the importance of consolidating relations between
Russia and the Islamic world, bearing in mind that Russia accounts for over 25
million Muslims well integrated in the plural, multicultural and multi-faith
society, well known for its diversity and tolerance.
The two parties exchanged views on subjects related to expanding cooperation
between Russia and the OIC in the intellectual, cultural, media and other fields,
through the execution of joint programs that include events and activities
conducive to further rapprochement between Russia and the Islamic world, and
that would contribute to projecting an authentic image of Islam, as a faith
which advocates moderation and rejects fanaticism, extremism and terrorism.
It is worth noting that, Russia has a permanent diplomatic mission to the OIC
General Secretariat, having acceded to the OIC observer status since 2005.