Responsible for relations with the Middle East and Africa, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and other international Muslim organisations, cooperation with Russian Muslim organisations, as well as issues pertaining to the Middle East peace process

Born in 1952

1974: graduated from the Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO) under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Fluent in Arabic and English

Since 1974: held various diplomatic posts in the central office of the Foreign Ministry and embassies abroad, including:

1974-1977: the People’s Democratic Republic of Yemen

1977-1980: the Lebanese Republic

1983-1989, 1991-1994: the Syrian Arab Republic

1997-2002: Ambassador to the State of Israel

2002-2005: Director of the Middle East and North Africa Department

2005-2011: Ambassador to the Arab Republic of Egypt, concurrently Plenipotentiary Representative to the League of Arab States in Cairo

Since June 2011: Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs

Since January 2012: Special Presidential Representative for the Middle East

Since October 2014: Special Presidential Representative for the Middle East and Africa

Holds the diplomatic rank of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary

Awarded the Orders "For Merit to the Fatherland" III and IV degrees, Alexander Nevsky, Honour, Friendship, the Certificate of Honour of the President of the Russian Federation, orders of foreign states, as well as a number of departmental and public awards. Awarded with thanks from the President of the Russian Federation. Honorary Worker of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia.

Married, with a son