President Vladimir Putin congratulated the Russian Hajj Mission on its 10th anniversary, and said that Islam has become integral to Russia’s religious, cultural and social fabric.
“Traditions of Islam are based on eternal values of kindness, mercifulness and justice. Millions of people in our country practice this ancient religion,” Putin wrote in a telegram published on the Kremlin’s website.
Putin also saluted the Muslim community for being active participants in the country’s public life, developing broad charity initiatives and strengthening family values. The wider Muslim community is opposed to all forms of religious intolerance and extremism, the Russian President wrote.