Moldovan head of state invites FIDE President to Moldova

Chisinau, 19 January /MOLDPRES/ – President of Moldova Igor Dodon had a meeting with FIDE President, Kirsan Iliumjinov, vice-president of State Duma Committee for International Affairs, Anatoly Karpov and the Chess Federation of Russia leader, Andrei Filatov, during the official visit to Moscow, the presidential press service has reported.

The parts discussed the developments of chess and collaboration between Moldovan and Russian federations in 2017, as well as the visit of FIDE President, Kirsan Iliumjinov in Chisinau, scheduled for 28 January 2017.

Igor Dodon and colleagues visited the Museum of Chess in Moscow where they viewed some unique exhibits of rare chess pieces, belonging to different cultures and eras, books, posters, old paintings. Also, Igor Dodon played a game of blitz with Anatoly Karpov, at one of the historical tables.

"The Soviet chess school was the strongest in the world. But the most important point is that, at the time, chess enjoys great popularity worldwide. I will continue to support the development and popularization of chess in Moldova. In our country there are many talented children and young people who have more achievements in chess. But even larger is number of those who might affirm themselves in various sports events, and not just in chess. The liability of state is to ensure normal conditions of activity. The significant thing is that chess has no borders. Chess unites!" the president said.