The head of the International Chess Federation Kirsan Ilyumzhinov spoke at the opening ceremony of the FIDE President's Cup II  on 12th of February. The tournament, which took place within the walls of MGIMO, was specifically timed to the Day of Diplomatic Service.

The tournament organized on the initiative and with the financial support of Ilyumzhinov was attended by students, staff and graduates of one of the leading Russian universities; representatives of ministries and departments; the diplomatic corps and major business companies.