Rustam Minnikhanov and Minister of Endowments and Religious Affairs of Sultanate of Oman Sheikh Mohammed bin Said bin Khalfan Al Mamari discuss further cooperation

On 2 February, speaking at his meeting with the Minister of Endowments and Religious Affairs of Sultanate of Oman Sheikh Mohammed bin Said bin Khalfan Al Mamari during his working trip to Oman, the Rais (Head) of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov said: “Tatarstan is the northernmost part of the Muslim world. Being a multi-ethnic region of Russia it deeply respects Islamic values of tolerance and spiritual unity. Muslims, Christians and other confessions have been coexisting in harmony in the republic for centuries.”

In particular, he told about the Bolgar Islamic Academy, which is the only one in Russia and which appeared due to the support of the Russian President Vladimir Putin and the First President of Tatarstan Mintimer Shaimiev.

“Large work is carried out through the Russia – Islamic World Strategic Vision Group, which I am the Head of by an errand from the Leadership of the country. This is a platform for consultations at the level of public and political figures, business circles, representatives of the scientific community and the clergy, who have authority and influence in Islamic countries,” the Rais of the republic said and emphasized that inter-ethnic and inter-religious peace and concord in the republic are the foundation for the development.

He informed that following the Minister's visit to Tatarstan, work has begun on developing a "roadmap" for cooperation with the Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs, and a working group has been established. Rustam Minnikhanov also listed kinds of joint work Tatarstan is interested in.

In his turn Sheikh Mohammed bin Said bin Khalfan Al Mamari emphasized that a visit of Rustam Minnikhanov is a continuation of a dialogue which started during their meeting in Kazan.

“Thank you for visiting Oman. We are happy to welcome you. Our working group is constantly in touch with its colleagues from Tatarstan,” he stated.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Said bin Khalfan Al Mamari briefly told about tasks of his Ministry and informed that there are 18 thousand mosques