Russia's grand mufti felicitates rouhani's victory in Iran's presidential elections

Chairman of the Council of Muftis of Russia Ravil Gainutdin congratulated Hassan Rouhani on his victory in the Iranian presidential election in July. Sheikh Gainutdin, the Grand Mufti of Russian Muslims, felicitated Rouhani's election as the President of Iran, and hoped for more interaction between the two friendly nations. Rouhani, in response, also expressed hope for the expansion of relations between Iranian and Russian Muslims. The swearing-in ceremony of Iranian President Hassan Rouhani kicked off in the capital, Tehran, on August 4, in the presence of senior Iranian state and military officials as well as foreign dignitaries. Over 249 Iranian and foreign officials were present at the ceremony, including several world leaders. According to Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Seyed Abbas Araqchi, foreign dignitaries from 52 countries and the United Nations as well as three special guests attended the swearing-in ceremony of President Rouhani. "Ten presidents, eight vice-presidents, two prime ministers, three deputy prime ministers, seven parliament speakers, 11 foreign ministers and 13 other ministers represent their governments in today's ceremony," Araqchi said. Rouhani emerged victorious in Iran's June 14 presidential election, which was marked by a high voter turnout. He won 50.7 percent of the votes. The Interior Ministry put voter turnout at 72.7 percent.