Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed gratitude to religious leaders for their role in fostering interfaith unity and harmony within the country during a meeting at the Kremlin with Russia's Supreme Mufti Talgat Tadzhuddin.
“I would like to express my gratitude to you personally and to all representatives of Islam for the contribution that you and other spiritual leaders make to interfaith unity and the harmony of the peoples of the Russian Federation,” Putin said.
He emphasized that “all people who practice Islam are an organic and natural part of Russia and Russian society.”
“Muslim representatives have always made and continue to make a significant contribution to our unity and collective strength, which effectively counters all challenges and threats while ensuring Russia’s progress,” the president added.
Putin has previously praised the resilience and courage of Muslim soldiers participating in Russia's special military operation in Ukraine, noting their significant role in the country’s development and their loyal service to the homeland.
According to the Religious Board of Muslims of Russia, Islam is currently practiced by around 20 million people in the country. Deputy Chief of the Presidential Administration Magomedsalam Magomedov previously noted that since 1991, the number of mosques in Russia has increased 60-fold, and 25,000 Russians perform the Hajj pilgrimage annually.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: official website of the President of the Russian Federation
Based on materials from TASS