On Friday a meeting with participation of delegation from Saudi Arabia, Governor of Astrakhan Oblast and FIDE President Kirsan Ilyumzhinov was held in Astrakhan. The meeting was devoted to the strengthening of cultural and economic relations between Saudi Arabia and Astrakhan Oblast, as well as to the chess development issues. In November last year the Prince of Saudi Arabia and FIDE President Kirsan Ilyumzhinov took part in the opening of Chess Academy in Astrakhan. http://www.fide.com/component/content/article/1-fide-news/6591-meetings-of-fide-president-in-astrakhan.html
As Mr. Balgabaev said, in January the FIDE Presidential Board considered the membership application of Saudi Arabia and accepted it as a new member of FIDE. “Naturally they are interested in the development of chess and follow its popularization in Russian regions”.
H.E. Saud Bin Mishal Abdulaziz Al-Saud presented a sword of Princes incrusted with gold and silver to Alexander Zhilkin, Governor of Astrakhan Oblast. The sword is presented as a sign of respect. And the World chess Federation presented chess set to high-ranking person.