Ufa (Russia): Russian President Vladimir Putin commended the remarkable contributions and sacrifices made by the Muslim community in Russia for their country.
Inaugurating a conference on "Islam and the State in Russia" in the city of Ufa, capital of the Republic of Bashkortostan of the Russian Federation on Tuesday, he also stressed that Islam is an important element of the Russian society, culture and history.
The conference was organized on the occasion to mark the 225th Anniversary of the Founding of the Central Muslim Spiritual Board of Russia.
Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu also addressed the conference.
In his speech, Ihsanoglu emphasized that Islam, as the second largest religion in the Russian Federation, enjoys a special status in the society.
He commended Grand Mufti Tadzhuddin and the Central Muslim Spiritual Board of Russia for their great services in upholding and further enriching Islamic culture, according to an OIC statement.
Ihsanoglu underscored that peace, tolerance, compassion, moderation and modernization are the main principles of Islam and commended that Muslims in Russia live in peace and harmony together with the citizens of other faiths.
Ihsanoglu stressed that the Islamic culture flourished and enriched the lives of the Russian people irrespective of their faith. He said, despite many trying times and challenges, the Muslims of Russia passionately held on to their faith and culture for which they have earned the admiration of the entire world.
He further stressed OIC's commitment to interfaith and inter-religious harmony and highlighted its well-established position against terrorism. Ihsanoglu strongly condemned the recent terrorist attack in Volvograd and offered condolences to families of the victims and wish a speedy recovery to the wounded.
The OIC chief's visit was in response to an invitation from Grand Mufti and President of the Central Muslim Spiritual Board Talgat Safa Tadzhuddin.
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