Dear Vasily Aleksandrovich!

On behalf of the World Chess Federation and me personally, I cordially congratulate you on your election as Chairman of the Duma and the Head of Khanty-Mansiysk city!

Your election to this honorary position inspires people with optimism, pride and confidence in the future. This victory confirmed the devotion and genuine confidence in you of all the people of your glorious city.

Being the President of Chess Federation of KMAO and a member of the FIDE Events Commission, you have made an enormous contribution to the development and popularization of chess in your okrug, and under your wise leadership Khanty-Mansiysk hosted three World Cups, the 39th World Chess Olympiad, 81st FIDE Congress and FIDE presidential elections last year.

I am confident that your activities in this position will contribute to a traditional and mutually beneficial cooperation between the FIDE and Chess Federation of the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug for development and popularization of chess, not only in the okrug, but also in the international arena.

Kirsan Ilyumzhinov
FIDE President

Please read the letter here.