Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov expressed condolences over the death of statesman and diplomat Rafik Nishanov and called him a mentor who opened the way to "great diplomacy."
"It is with deep sorrow that I learned of the passing of Rafik Nishanovich Nishanov. A prominent statesman, a talented diplomat, Rafik Nishanovich made a great personal contribution to strengthening the position of our country in the international arena. He worthily represented our country while heading the embassies in Sri Lanka and Jordan," a message published Thursday in the Russian Foreign Ministry's Telegram channel reads.
According to Lavrov, Nishanov's demanding approach to business, organizational talent, and best human qualities earned him the well-deserved respect of all those who worked with him.
"I highly appreciated Rafik Nishanovich as a wise old comrade and mentor who gave me a ticket to 'big diplomacy' when I worked under his supervision in Colombo during my first long trip abroad," the minister said.
"I grieve with you. Please accept the words of sincere sympathy and support," concluded the Russian foreign minister.
Nishanov was born on January 15, 1926. He graduated from the Tashkent Evening Pedagogical Institute. He is a candidate of historical sciences. In 1951, he was on party work in the Uzbek SSR. In 1970, he proceeded to diplomatic work as the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the USSR in Sri Lanka and part-time in the Republic of the Maldives, and since 1978 he worked as the Soviet ambassador to Jordan. From December 9, 1986, to April 9, 1988, he served as chairman of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the Uzbek SSR, and simultaneously from June 29, 1987, to May 24, 1988, he served as deputy chairman of the Presidium of the USSR Supreme Soviet. In January 1988, he headed the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Uzbek SSR, at the same time from the end of May 1988 until May 25, 1989, he was a member of the Presidium of the USSR Supreme Soviet. In June 1989, Nishanov was appointed chairman of the Council of Nationalities of the USSR Supreme Soviet. In September 1991, he took up the post of advisor to the president of the USSR.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: Alexander Sentsov / TASS Newsreel
Based on materials from TASS