Makhmoud Abbas called Kazan "the cradle of Islam"
The head of the Palestinian national authority Makhmoud Abbas during his official visit to Russia visited the capital of Tatarstan.
Makhmoud Abbas visited the Islamic University of Russia, where he spoke to the teachers and students. In Islamic University the head of the Palestine met with mufti of Tatarstan, Chairman of the Spiritual administration of muslims of Tatarstan Gusman hazrat Iskhakov, head of the Office for religious affairs under the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Tatarstan Renat Valiullin and rector of Islamic University Rafik Mukhametshin.
Speaking of Kazan Makhmoud Abbas called the capital of Tatarstan "the cradle of Islam". In his opinion, Kazan has always been the center of religion, economics and other areas. He stressed especially that the capital of Tatarstan is a place where the West meets the East. "A great number of mosques, churches and a tolerant attitude among the many peoples living in the territory of Tatarstan is your pride," - said the guest.
The head of Palestine also expressed the hope that between the Islamic University of Russia and the university in Jerusalem will establish fraternal relations. He hopes that soon will be contracted on the possibility of mutual exchange of students and teachers between the two cities.
At the end of the meeting the head of the Palestine invited students and teachers of Islamic University to visit Palestine and expressed the hope that Kazan "Rubin" will play a friendly match with local team.