Russian President Vladimir Putin sent a letter of greetings to participants and organizers of the events dedicated to the 1,100th anniversary of the adoption of Islam by the Volga Bulgaria. The message, which is published on the Kremlin website, reads:
"Dear friends!
I cordially greet you and congratulate you on the 1,100th anniversary of accepting Islam by the Volga Bulgaria, a momentous event for a Muslim ummah of Russia and the world and, of course, for our entire country.
We are sincerely glad that guests from dozens of countries arrived to the Republic of Tatarstan for these celebrations: politicians, religious and public figures, representatives of scientific and creative circles and mass media.
The adoption of Islam by the Volga Bulgaria became one of the milestones in the history of our Motherland and had a significant impact on its development as a multi-confessional state and played an important role in establishing a united and consolidated multi-ethnic nation of Russia. For centuries, Russian Muslims have contributed to the country's development. Their outstanding achievements in different spheres are an integral part of our richest historical, scientific, cultural, and spiritual heritage.
The current generation of Muslims in Russia respects the traditions and customs of their ancestors, remains firmly committed to their precepts of honest service to the Fatherland, the high ideals of patriotism and justice. In the course of the special military operation in Ukraine, Muslim fighters show steadfastness, courage and self-sacrifice.
It is important that Russian Muslims are actively involved in expanding the country's international ties. This is clearly demonstrated by the current events, especially the XIII International Economic Summit "Russia - Islamic World: KazanSummit 2022" and the next meeting of the Group of Strategic Vision "Russia - Islamic World".
We attach great importance to strengthening friendly relations with Muslim countries, both bilaterally and through cooperation with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. We coordinate our efforts to solve many important problems on the regional and global agenda and together we oppose the use of blackmail and discriminatory measures and political and economic diktat in international relations. We hope to continue building mutually beneficial and productive cooperation in trade, economic, scientific, technical, humanitarian and other spheres.
I am convinced that meetings within the framework of the ongoing events will facilitate a free exchange of views, as well as the launch of new promising and useful initiatives.
I wish you successful, fruitful work and all the best.
Vladimir Putin."
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: official website of the President of the Russian Federation
Based on materials from TASS