Kazan has become a focal point for Russia-Africa relations, hosting the 6th International Scientific Forum “Russia – Africa: Politics, Economy, History and Culture” on October 30-31, 2025.
Held at Kazan Federal University (KFU) and organized by the Institute of International Relations, History and Oriental Studies, the forum features panel discussions on a wide range of bilateral issues. Key topics include African linguistics, historical and modern ties, the role of the Arab world on the continent, and the place of African nations within the international system.
The event was attended by KFU President Riyaz Minzaripov, Acting Director of the Institute of International Relations, History and Oriental Studies Rail Fakhrutdinov, and the Russian Foreign Ministry's representative in Kazan Radik Vakhitov.
The international delegation included Augusto da Silva Cunha, Ambassador of Angola to the Russian Federation, and Tarek ben Salem, Secretary-General of the Arab Maghreb Union (Morocco). The Republic of Tatarstan was represented by Rais (Head) Assistant Marat Gatin and Vice-President of the Tatarstan Academy of Sciences Aynur Timerhanov. Also participating were Alexander Yevstigneyev, Director of the Russian House in Dar es Salaam (Tanzania), and Nailya Mingazova, Head of the Department of Arabic and Islamic Studies at KFU.
In a video address to the forum, Marat Gatin, Assistant to the Rais of Tatarstan and Deputy Chairman of the Group of Strategic Vision “Russia – Islamic World,” outlined the Group's history and mission.
He noted that the initiative to create the Group was proposed by Russian President Vladimir Putin in 2003 in Malaysia. Following Russia's attainment of observer status in the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation in 2005, the decision was made to establish this expert platform in 2006, which will mark its 20th anniversary in 2026.
The Group's primary goal is to develop and strengthen Russia's ties with the Islamic world, serving as a forum to discuss pressing issues and formulate policy recommendations. In 2014, leadership of the Group was entrusted to the Rais of Tatarstan, Rustam Minnikhanov. Under his guidance over the past decade, the Group has held numerous events across Tatarstan, other Russian regions, and in Islamic nations, significantly bolstering Russia's engagement with the Muslim world.
The Group's activities are channeled through several key projects, with the flagship being the annual “Russia – Islamic World: KazanForum” International Economic Summit. Hosted in Kazan, this event is a primary venue for dialogue between Russian and Islamic business communities, drawing thousands of participants to discuss trade, investment and Islamic finance.
The Group also maintains an active expert agenda, holding meetings, conferences, and roundtables on current international issues. A significant focus is placed on humanitarian and cultural projects aimed at supporting the heritage of Muslim culture and strengthening international ties.
Meanwhile, the “Russia – Africa” forum is set for in-depth discussions on Africa's cultural diversity, international migration, the specifics of cooperation within the Arab world of Africa, and economic development in the context of globalization. A dedicated session will examine the role of BRICS as a key format for global cooperation within the African context.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
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