The Mufti of Moscow, Albir Kurjanov, stated after meeting with Speaker Nabih Berri at the second presidential residence in Ain al-Tineh, that "the meeting was warm and serious, and we discussed many issues, particularly the exchange of experiences between the Russian and Lebanese parliaments, and the role of social organizations in this." He added, "We also talked about the Russian laws that have been enacted, which focus on protecting and preserving cultural traditions, spiritual and human values in Russia, which number nearly 350 laws in this area. There is no doubt that Lebanon is a multi-confessional country, very rich and very important to us, and there are legislative issues from which we can benefit to serve one another in this field. Cooperation between social and religious organizations in the two countries can also be developed when they work together, which adds great value to the work, enriches it, and helps in making wise decisions."
Berri also discussed general conditions, the latest political developments, and legislative matters during his meeting with MP Michel Mur. In the afternoon, Berri received the Arab Parliamentarians Against Corruption organization, chaired by Nasser Al-Saeed, with a parliamentary delegation representing nine Arab countries, in the presence of MP Imad al-Hout. The delegation briefed President Berri on the organization's activities and work and handed him reports on political ethics and rules for parliamentarians and ministers in the Arab world, related legislation, the Arab parliamentary guide to enhance integrity and combat corruption, the guide to activating the United Nations Convention Against Corruption, and the Arab parliamentary guide for financial oversight, among other relevant reports issued by the organization. MP Nasser Al-Saeed presented President Berri with an award from the organization.
On another note, Berri received a congratulatory telegram for Eid al-Adha from the Catholicos Patriarch of Cilicia for Armenian Catholics, Rafael Bedros the 21st Minassian.
Mikati received the Mufti of Moscow and the head of the "Religious Association of Muslims in Russia," Albir Kurjanov, on Friday afternoon at the Grand Serail, in the presence of Russian Ambassador to Lebanon Alexander Rudakov and Dr. Waseem Qalaajieh. The Mufti of Moscow is visiting Lebanon at the head of a delegation from the association.
