Senior Russian Muslim cleric calls Saudi King’s visit to Russia ‘historic’

MOSCOW, October 4. /TASS/. The visit of Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud to Russia, to begin on Wednesday, is a historic event during which important aspects of the two states' religious lives will be discussed, the first deputy chairman of the Russian Council of Muftis, Rushan Abbyasov, told TASS. "No doubt, this is a historic visit. It is particularly important for us from the point of view of the relations that Russia currently has with the Islamic world. Saudi Arabia is the most important part of the Islamic world and plays a crucial role in the Middle East," he said. According to Abbyasov, the Saudi King is expected to visit Russia’s Muslim religious leaders to discuss, among other things, exchange of experience in counteracting religious extremism. "This issue is very important for our states. During one of my visits to Saudi Arabia, we studied special programs of the country’s Ministry of Islamic Affairs on issues of preventing extremism and radicalism. We studied their experience of returning people with such views back to normal life," the first deputy chairman of the Russian Council of Muftis said. "We are now preparing an agreement on partnership and cooperation in this sphere," he added. In addition, the sides are also expected to discuss increasing quotas on hajj to Islamic holy cities of Mecca and Medina for Russian pilgrims. "I think that this issue will definitely be raised," Abbyasov said. "This year, we have requested an additional quota from Saudi Arabia, and I expect discussions on this matter, considering that the number of Muslims living in Russia and willing to carry out a hajj is huge." During the meeting, representatives of the Russian and Saudi Arabian clergy are also expected to discuss issues of religious education, including of the Islamic youth. Read more