Kirsan Ilyumzhinov-President of Autonomous Republic of Kalmykia and great friend of Mongolia to step down

Kirsan Ilyumzhinov, President of Autonomous Republic of Kalmykia to step down at the end of his term on 24 Oct, reports world media. President Ilyumzhinov or Ulemj (in Mongolian) is a good friend of Mongolia.Kalmykia is a tiny island of ethnic Mongolians in South Russia. Kalmyk people are Western Mongolians who migrated to Southern Russia during early 16th century.Kalmyks are our long-lost cousin and brothers. No doubt about it.

Under Soviet, Russian rule, Kalmyks were deported to Siberia due to collaboration with the Germans and allowed to return in 1957.
President Ilyunzhinov visited Mongolia several times since 1990s and always sought ways to cooperate with Mongolia. As president of the World Chess Federation (FIDE), he selected Mongolia to organize The 5th FIDE Women Grand Prix in Ulaanbaatar early August of this year. At his initiative, FIDE is to build Chess palace in Ulaanbaatar.
President Ilyunzhinov will be remembered fondly by Mongolian people and we hope that whoever succeeds as President of Kalmykia, will work more to bring closer Mongolia and Kalmykia.

By Battsetseg, reporter of mongolianviews.com