Deputy Chairman of the Group of Strategic Vision Russia-Islamic World Farit Mukhametshin spoke at the presentation of the book "Karim Khakimov. Chronicle of Life". The book is dedicated to the life and work of the legendary Soviet diplomat Karim Khakimov and was written by Oleg Ozerov, Ambassador at Large of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Head of the Secretariat of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum.
The presentation was held on March 12 in a mixed format, both online and at the venue of the Representative Office of the Republic of Bashkortostan in Istanbul with the presence of diplomats, heads of public organizations, journalists, cultural figures and scientists from Russian regions.
In his welcoming remarks, Farit Mukhametshin, Deputy Chairman of the Federation Council Committee on International Affairs, Deputy Chairman of the GSV Russia - Islamic World, underlined that the presentation of the book on the life of prominent diplomat Karim Khakimov is among the milestone events in strengthening bilateral relations between Russia and the Muslim states as well as oriental studies in 2020.
"Both Moscow and Riyadh remember and appreciate the contribution of Khakimov as a historical figure, who was able to realize the potential of developing bilateral relations between our countries. Russia's current foreign policy course is aimed at establishing a broad partnership with Muslim countries in all spheres, including economic and humanitarian, in preserving the traditional moral ideals, cultural and spiritual heritage. We attach importance to interaction through the parliamentary line with the member countries of the OIC and work within the framework of the Saudi-Russian Friendship Committee," said Farit Mukhametshin.
The work "Karim Khakimov. Chronicle of Life" tells the story of the origins and development of diplomatic relations between Moscow and Riyadh. The events of the last century are shown through the prism of the outstanding Soviet diplomat. "The Red Pasha", as he was then called, was one of the first representatives of Soviet Russia in the countries of the Middle East, who remember his name many years later.
In 2021, Russia and Saudi Arabia will celebrate the 95th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. It was thanks to Karim Khakimov that our country was the first in the world to recognize the young Kingdom. After this outstanding diplomat passed away, contacts were interrupted by the will of history.
A special role in restoring the memory of Karim Khakimov belongs to diplomat Oleg Ozerov, who was the ambassador of the Russian Federation to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and is a member of the Expert Advisory Board of the GSV Russia - Islamic world. The book "Karim Khakimov. Chronicle of Life" is of great reader interest, and the Group plans to reprint the book in English, French, and Arabic translations.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"