Rustam Minnikhanov takes part in opening ceremony of Moscow Cathedral Mosque

On September 23, at the opening ceremony of the newly restored Moscow Cathedral Mosque, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that the reconstructed mosque will become an important spiritual center and unite people of different religions.

Leaders of Turkey and Palestine Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Mahmoud Abbas, President of the Republic of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov took part in the event.

Ravil Gainutdin, Chairman of the Russian Council of Muftis and Russian President Vladimir Putin opened the mosque.

The opening ceremony was broadcast on Rossiya 24 TV channel.

Vladimir Putin congratulated Muslims on the event: “It is a very important event for Muslims living in Russia. One of the oldest mosques in Moscow was reconstructed.” He thanked everyone, who took part in construction works, Muslims living in Russia and abroad, who were sending their donations.
“We would like to express our gratitude to Turkish and Kazakhstan governments for their contribution to reconstruction of the mosque. I am sure that the Cathdral Mosque will become an important spiritual center and enlightenment, and promotion of humanistic ideas, true and genuine values of Islam, will give knowledge and spirituality, and will help to unite efforts of Muslims and people of other religions for the sake of our common deeds.”

Putin added that traditional Islam is an essential part of spiritual life of Russia.