Kirsan Ilyumzhinov spoke about the time when he was president of Kalmykia. He also spoke about the 33rd World Chess Olympiad, which made the republic famous, about the construction of the largest Buddhist temple in Europe, which has become an object of attraction for tourists from all over the world. By the way, precisely these two facts were noted in a Forbes article about the Russian cities that were underestimated in terms of tourism.

Rakhman Yansukov inquired about Kirsan Ilyumzhinov’s daily routine when he was the head of Kalmykia. It is noteworthy that for 18 years in this post, Kirsan Nikolaevich has never been on vacation or sick leave. And his working week instead of the usual five working days consisted of seven, including weekends.
His usual working day began at half past seven in the morning and lasted until two am on the next day. “Daily trips to the regions of Kalmykia and reception of citizens. At the same time, a government meeting could begin at one or two am,” says Kirsan Nikolaevich.“  I worked 365 days a year.”
Answering to the question: “What famous politician did you play chess with?” Kirsan Ilyumzhinov listed: first President of the USSR Mikhail Gorbachev, former US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, King of Jordan Abdullah II, former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein, Pope John Paul II, former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, and 11th world chess champion Bobby Fisher .
Talking about the role that Buddhism played in his life, Kirsan Nikolaevich noted that thanks to this religion, he became more focused, learned how to concentrate, contemplate and sympathize with others.
Touching upon the consequences of the crisis and the self-isolation, Kirsan Ilyumzhinov emphasized: “It is important for businessmen to work, work and work again. And rely only on yourself. " Kirsan Nikolaevich also noted that the crisis also affected him: “My work consists of frequent trips to different countries. Now the airports are closed and for three months I am sitting at home without work and therefore without money. ” Nevertheless, Kirsan Ilyumzhinov advised entrepreneurs to try and believe in themselves: "Any crisis is also time for opportunity."
Regarding the cancellation of the presidential term, Kirsan Ilyumzhinov replied that it was a grandmaster’s move, and if, after a popular vote, Vladimir Putin is re-elected, he will receive a powerful incentive to work until 2024.
Returning to the topic of Buddhism, Rakhman Yansukov asked his interlocutor about the visit of the Dalai Lama to Kalmykia: “Do these meetings play a great religious significance for you and help you find answers to questions?” “Each meeting with the Dalai Lama is like a meeting with God,” replied Kirsan Nikolaevich, “because the 14th Dalai Lama is the embodiment of Avalokiteshvara, millions of people are looking for a meeting with him, and even just seeing him is a great grace.”
“At the last meeting with Russian President, I told him that the Dalai Lama wants to go to Kalmykia to conduct the Kalachakra ceremony, which will help not only the Kalmyk people, but also all peoples of Russia and all living beings. I think if the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation gives him an entry visa after a pandemic at least for two weeks, we will recharge ourselves with the bright energy of His Holiness the Dalai Lama after Kalachakra rite,” said Kirsan Ilyumzhinov.
Answering the question: “With whom would you like to play chess?”, Kirsan Nikolayevich replied that he would like to play chess with US President Donald Trump: “Today, his posts on Twitter make the market will collapse or rise. He is a very interesting person. ”
At the end of the conversation, Rakhman Yansukov asked the guest to give advice to young entrepreneurs. Kirsan Ilyumzhinov replied: "Rely on yourself only, and good luck will come to you."