Speaking at the closing of the 2nd International Chess Festival, head of FIDE said: "I am very pleased to note the dynamics of chess in this country, where it attracts great interest not only of professional players but also of the beginners. It is with great pleasure that I want to inform everyone that chess will receive additional support here; this was agreed during a meeting with the Iranian Minister of Education.
I would like to express my gratitude to the Islamic Republic of Iran leadership for their great contribution to the popularization and development of chess. Special thanks are due to the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Ministry of Education, National Olympic Committee, Iranian Chess Federation and sponsors and volunteers for their great efforts to hold this event at such a high standard. We have received a warm and friendly welcome here in Tehran. I am sure many chess players will be sorry to leave here."
In addition, Ilyumzhinov has planned a number of meetings in the chess federation and with the Iranian business circles in Tehran.