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From the Russian side, the event was attended by Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Russian Chess Federation, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office, Presidential Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov, alongside Minister of Sport Mikhail Degtyaryov, and President of the Russian Chess Federation Andrei Filatov.

During the meeting, Vladimir Putin presented the Order of Friendship to Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan in recognition of his significant contribution to the promotion of chess both within Russia and on the international stage. The respective executive order was signed on April 11, 2024.

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President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Your Excellency,

It is with great pleasure that I extend to you a warm welcome to Russia.

We find ourselves in Bashkiria, a distinguished region renowned for its sporting prowess. Across our nation and particularly within the Republic of Bashkortostan, chess is cherished and passionately practised, as we collectively strive to uphold the esteemed traditions of this intellectual pursuit that have long been cultivated in Russia.

Chess holds a place of well-deserved admiration and popularity throughout our country. Presently, over one million individuals in Russia engage in regular chess practice, with enthusiasts present in every constituent entity of the Russian Federation.

We take rightful – and I truly believe it is rightful – pride in the illustrious traditions and accomplishments of the Russian chess school. Our nation has contributed significantly to the world of chess, offering innovative ideas, unique methodologies, and developments that have propelled chess forward as both a sport and an art form.

Russia possesses extensive experience in organising international competitions, and we are particularly pleased to acknowledge your invaluable contribution, Your Excellency, to fostering relations within this sphere between Russia and the Asian Chess Federation, which you have led for many years. Your efforts have greatly enhanced international sports collaboration, heightened the profile of chess, and nurtured talented and promising players. I wish to underscore your role in strengthening ties with Russia and in supporting our chess players, both professional and amateur.

Your Excellency, the Order of Friendship, which is bestowed upon you today, serves as a testament to your remarkable contribution to the advancement of chess and the fostering of amicable relations between our nations.

I am aware of your dedication to the development of youth sports. Russia has been hosting the White Rook tournament for teenagers and children for approximately 55 years. We would be delighted to welcome Asian teams to participate in this fascinating competition.

Once again, I express my heartfelt gratitude for your role in advancing the international chess movement and for enhancing the bonds of friendship with Russia.

Allow me to thank you once more and to wish you success.

(Award ceremony.)

President of the Asian Chess Federation Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan: First of all, I wasn’t prepared in advance but it lets me speak from my heart directly.

It is an honour, first of all, to meet you in person. I have seen all the great work you have done in the Russian Federation. I want you to know that, even myself, after I took up my position in the chess world, my first visit to Russia was in 2006.

I have the best memories, and for this reason, it is only fair to have Russia represented in the best way possible in the chess world. I would like to offer our services, but I understand my limit, and I think that the Russian Chess Federation deserves more than what we can offer. We are only showcasing what needs to be showcased. We are always at your service. We understand that our capabilities are limited compared to what the Russian Chess Federation deserves but we do everything we can to help you.

I would be happy to push forward more the youth movement in chess and take the White Rook tournament as an initiative, and I will look after it personally.

I just have one little request if possible. I want you to stay in the Asian Chess Federation for as long as possible, because it adds more value to us.

Thank you so much.

Vladimir Putin: Your Excellency, thank you immensely for your evaluation of the state of chess development within our nation. We are pleased to continue our association with the Asian Chess Federation for as long as feasible. However, I must emphasise that chess knows no boundaries. Gifted and exceptional chess players can emerge at any time and in any corner of the globe. Let us endeavour to discover them together.

I extend my deepest gratitude for your dedicated work and your efforts in advancing chess and fostering collaboration with Russia.

Sultan Bin Khalifa Al Nahyan: Thank you.

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