MOSCOW: Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday thanked Grand Mufti of Russia Talgat Tadzhuddin for his efforts in fostering interfaith unity and harmony among the country’s diverse religious communities.
During a meeting at the Kremlin, Putin acknowledged the contributions of Tadzhuddin and other Muslim leaders in strengthening religious accord across the country, state news agency TASS reported.
“I would like to personally thank you and all Muslim leaders for the contribution you and other spiritual leaders are making to interreligious unity and accord between the peoples of Russia,” the president said.
Although a secular state under its constitution, Russia recognizes the role of religious institutions in society. The law guarantees freedom of religion, with all religious associations operating separately from the state while enjoying equal status.
Christianity remains the dominant faith in Russia, with Orthodox Christianity as the largest denomination. Islam is the second-largest religion, with most Russian Muslims adhering to Sunni Islam.
The Russian government continues to support traditional religions by restoring historic religious sites damaged during the Soviet era and facilitating the establishment of spiritual education institutions, TASS said.
