Delegation of the workng group in Bahrain

The delegation of the Coordination Council of working group on Alternative (Islamic) financial institutes and products at the Russian Mufties Council from December 13 is on an official working visit to the Kingdom of Bahrain. The main purpose of the visit is to exchange the experience in the field of developing the Islamic finance in the country, in particular, on issues such as Zakat, Islamic banking, standards of Islamic financial products.

The delegation consists of the Deputy Director of the International Department of the Russian Mufties Council Head of economic development programs Madina Kalimullina, the Director of structured and syndicated lending of “Gazprombank” Alexander Kazakov and Senior Partner of “Pepelyaev, Goltsblat and partners” Rustam Vakhitov.

The delegation visited Bahrain on the invitation of the President of the Supreme Council of Islamic affairs of the Kingdom Sheikh Abdullah Bin Khalid Al Khalif.

On December 13 the delegation held meetings in the Central Bank of Bahrain, in the Zakat Fund, and also met with the Sheikh Al Khalif in his residence.

Madina Kalimullina conveyed to Sheikh Abdullah bin Khaled Al Khalifa the greetings from the Chairman of RMC Mufti Sheikh Ravil Gainutdin and also spoke about the events and activities of the Russian Mufties Council over the last year, including the development of Islamic economics and finance, based on the principles of Islam. Sheikh Al Khalifa expressed his support in these fields and wished the delegation successful and fruitful meetings. He also expressed hope for a quick visit of the Chairman of RMC Mufti Sheikh Ravil Gainutdi to Bahrain, where the signing of Memorandum of Understanding and Cooperation could take place. The field of Islamic finance could be one of the main areas of cooperation between the parties.

Later on behalf of the President of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs for members of the delegation was given a dinner, also attended by V. Y. Smirnov, Ambassador the Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Russia to Bahrain.

14.12.2009