Marat Khusnullin, Deputy Chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation, Chairman of the Organizing Committee for preparing and holding the celebrations dedicated to the 1100th anniversary of the official adoption of Islam by the Volga Bulgaria, read out to the participants of the annual meeting of the GSV "Russia - Islamic world" a greeting from the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin.
"Dear friends, I cordially welcome you and congratulate you on the 1100th anniversary of the adoption of Islam by the Volga Bulgaria. The adoption of Islam had a great impact on the formation of the united and cohesive multinational people of Russia. For centuries, Russian Muslims have been making a tremendous contribution to the heritage of our country. It is important that Russian Muslims take an active part in expanding the country's international ties. I am convinced that meetings within the framework of these events will facilitate the launching of new successful initiatives".
On his own behalf, Marat Khusnullin expressed his gratitude to the Islamic states for dialogue and support in hard times.
"Today we are meeting at a difficult time. We have witnessed a rift between the peoples. Our homeland has always stood for peaceful coexistence. We are grateful to Islamic states for dialogue and support. Under Russian law, Islam is one of the traditional religions in our country. Islam teaches people kindness and mercy. It is symbolic that our meeting is held in the framework of celebration of the 1,100th anniversary of adoption of Islam by the Volga Bulgaria. I wish you successful and fruitful work".
GSV "Russia - Islamic world"