Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly noted the importance of developing cooperation with the Muslim countries. This is one of the main priorities of the Russian foreign policy, Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin said, speaking at a meeting of the leaders of the Group of Strategic Vision "Russia – Islamic World" with ambassadors of member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, representatives of federal and regional authorities and heads of religious associations. The event was held at the Russian Ministry of foreign affairs.
"Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly noted the importance of developing cooperation with the Muslim countries. This is one of the main priorities of domestic foreign policy. Today, this cooperation has become a strategic partnership, and it is developing dynamically in a variety of areas – in trade, rail and road transport, energy, high technology. Despite external pressure, Russia will always be the most reliable partner for the Islamic states. And we can say with confidence that this partnership opens new perspectives", said Khusnullin.
Over the past three years, trade turnover between Russia and the states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation has increased by almost 30% (from 89 to 112 billion US dollars). Now the foundation for future growth is being actively laid – the development of key transport corridors "North-South" and "West-East" continues, which in the future may change the entire world logistics of global traffic flows.
"This is, among other things, the result of the activities of the GSV "Russia – Islamic World", which has been working for more than 15 years to bring Russia closer and establish contacts with the Muslim countries," said Marat Khusnullin.
The events realized last year also contributed to strengthening the cooperation between Russia and the Islamic world. Among them the most important were the 1100th anniversary of the adoption of Islam by the Volga Bulgaria Empire, the annual meeting of the Group and the International Economic Forum in Kazan. More than 6,000 participants from 64 countries and 59 regions of our country took part in these events.
"It is encouraging that the Muslim world supports Russia in the international arena. We appreciate its openness to constructive interaction and deep understanding of our position," the deputy prime minister stressed.
GSV "Russia - Islamic world"