The message reads, in part:
“Over these years the Hajj Mission has built up its reputation and made a truly invaluable contribution to resolving the complex and multifaceted problems involved in organising Russian Muslims’ pilgrimages to the holy sites and developing a culture of making the Hajj.
Islam is by right an inalienable part of Russia’s religious, social, and cultural life. Its traditions are based on the eternal values of goodness, mercy, and justice. Millions of people in our country practice this ancient faith. The Muslim community takes part in our country’s public life, is actively involved in a broad range of charity activities, helps to strengthen and promote family values, and takes a firm stand against religious intolerance and extremism.”