BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

RUSSIA and Brunei are looking for ways to further develop the friendly relations and mutually beneficial cooperation between Muslim communities in both countries.

This was stated by the Russian Ambassador to Brunei, Victor A Seleznev, last night.

He was speaking to The Brunei Times after a dinner at the Momo Restaurant in Starlodge Hotel, Jerudong, to commemorate Brunei’s participation in the International Tilawah Al-Quran Competitions in Moscow.

He said that the Muslim community in Russia had just “restarted” their journey towards the Muslim “ummah” and there was a huge demand to gain a proper understanding of Islam.

He said that Brunei is a brilliant example to learn from because it has a true understanding of Islam, where it is not just a religion but also a way of life; a religion of peace, development and prosperity. He also expressed the hope that joint cooperation between the two countries can be continued, and the understanding can be developed further, able to bring together the Muslim communities in the two countries.

Brunei first sent representatives for the competition in 2013 and won the championship title this year through Muhammad Ali.

Last night’s dinner was attended by senior officials from the Ministry of Religious Affairs including its Minister, Pengiran Dato Seri Setia Dr Hj Mohammad Pg Hj Abd Rahman, and Deputy Minister Pg Dato Paduka Hj Bahrom Pg Hj Bahar.

Also present was the champion of recent competition, his father and mentor as well as the Ra’es of the Seri Begawan Religious Teacher’s University College (KUPU SB) Dr Hjh Masnon Hj Ibrahim. During the reception, participants were shown a film on mosques in both countries as well as a photo exhibition of Muslim festivities celebrated in Russia.

The Brunei Times