President of Kyrgyzstan arrives in Ufa

President of Kyrgyzstan Almazbek Atambayev arrived in Ufa (Bashkortostan) during the state visit to Russia.

The head of state was met by the head of the republic Rustem Khamitov, the Speaker of Kurultai Konstantin Tolkachev and the head of the administration of Ufa Irek Yalalov. Composition «Welcome to Bashkortostan!» was performed specially for the President and the first lady. High guests were met in Bashkortostan with a chak-chak and a karavay (round loaf).

Today Almazbek Atambayev plans to meet with the head of Bashkortostan Rustem Khamitov in a narrow and expanded format and participate in a concert of Kyrgyz masters of arts.

The President of Kyrgyzstan has been on a state visit to Russia since June 19. He had met with Vladimir Putin and the Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev. In addition, before the flight to Ufa, Almazbek Atambayev visited the Moscow Cathedral Mosque and met with the Chairman of the Council of Muftis of Russia Ravil Gainutdin.

The head of state, accompanied by Ravil Gainutdin and representatives of the Muslim clergy of Russia, examined the prayer halls, the conference hall of the mosque, the exhibits of the Islamic Museum located in the cathedral mosque.

Later on, President Almazbek Atambayev held a meeting with Ravil Gainutdin. Greeting the Kyrgyz president, he stressed that the visit of Almazbek Atambayev is a great honor and support. «Your state visit to Russia is very important, and we consider the visit to our mosque as brotherly one. This is your support to the Muslims of Russia in our activities," Ravil Gainutdin said.

The sides discussed topical issues of interaction between the Muslim clergy of the two countries in counteracting modern challenges and threats, primarily radicalism and extremism.