Russian President Vladimir Putin made a rare visit to the predominantly Muslim region of Chechnya on Wednesday, his first trip there in over a decade.
The visit has attracted considerable attention, especially after a video surfaced showing Putin kissing a Quran presented to him and holding it close to his heart.
Upon his arrival, Putin was warmly welcomed by Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov. The two leaders discussed enhancing military, trade, and economic ties between their regions.
During the visit, Putin, accompanied by Kadyrov and the Grand Mufti of Chechnya, toured the Isa Prophet Mosque in Grozny. There, Putin was gifted a rare edition of the Quran, which he kissed as a gesture of respect. The Grand Mufti also recited a verse from Surah Al-Anfal and provided a Russian translation for Putin.
The visit and the Quran-kissing gesture underscore Putin’s commitment to strengthening relations with the Muslim-majority region of Chechnya.
