The traditional annual meeting of the Group of Strategic Vision ‘Russia – Islamic World’ was held in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Jeddah on 23-26 November. Public representatives and permanent members of the Group took an active part in the event, as well as in discussions on the further development of cooperation between Russia and the Islamic world in various fields. Following the meeting, Alhaj Syed Nazibul Bashar Maizvandari, Chairman of Bangladesh Tariqat Federation and current Member of Parliament, prepared an article, in which he addressed the key moments of the meeting held in November. Here are some excerpts from his material.
We would like to remind you that the VI session of the Group of Strategic Vision ‘Russia – Islamic World’ was dedicated to preserving traditions of inter-confessional dialogue. The topic of the meeting was dialogue on the prospects of the cooperation between Russia and the Islamic world. The event was attended by 33 state and public figures from 27 Muslim countries, including former Prime Ministers, former Ministers of Foreign Affairs and religious figures of the Islamic world.
In a welcome address on behalf of Sergey Lavrov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia, special attention was paid to interaction between the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and Russia, in particular with the Strategic Vision Group. ‘We attach great importance to the proposals of the Group’s members on prevention and resolution of conflicts and crisis situation in Muslim countries. It is of great importance to prevent religious and ethnic intolerance,’ the statement said.
Alhaj Syed Nazibul Bashar Maizvandari actively participated in the meeting. As the leader of the only Islamic political party represented in the Parliament of Bangladesh, Maizvandari, on behalf of Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina, thanked King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for hosting the meeting. Special words of gratitude were expressed to President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin, who, according to Maizvandari, is a true friend of the Islamic world.
In his article Bashar Maizvandari stressed that under the leadership of Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov, the Group of Strategic Vision ‘Russia – Islamic World’ was developing into a strong advocate of Muslim interests in the international arena with a deep understanding of Islamic values and importance of local heritage and culture. ‘As a result of such work, the member states of the Group of Strategic Vision demonstrate a high level of unity, trust and mutual respect, which makes the Group one of the most influential organization in the world,’ the material says.
‘Culture does not only unite people within one country, but also helps establish strong bonds within a region and even beyond. The bond between Islamic countries is even more spiritual and diverse, because each country we represent has its unique Muslim culture,’ Maizvandari highlighted.
Considering cultural heritage as an important factor for consolidating cooperation, the Chairman of Bangladesh Tariqat Federation focused on the younger generation that should become the main target audience when it comes to promotion of traditional values. In this regard, it is important to instill in the younger generation the right knowledge and understanding of what is going on around them and their historical heritage. A bright example of such work is joint cultural programs, campaigns and contests on social networking services, as well as the establishment of a young wing under the auspices of the Group of Strategic Vision ‘Russia – Islamic World’.
At the same time, Maizvandari drew attention of his colleagues to the increasing danger of terrorism and extremism, which must be tackled with joint efforts. ‘Misinterpretation of religious texts and misuse of social networks are fueling hatred in our society. We should join forces for global peace and security, taking into account a broader economic partnership that contributes not only to food security and employment but also to the overall improvement of the peace and security index,’ the representative of Bangladesh stressed.
In conclusion, current Member of Parliament Alhaj Syed Nazibul Bashar Maizvandari invited the Group, in collaboration with Saudi Arabia, to lead the movement for global peace and security, since through dedication and intensive contacts the Group had created a solid basis for cooperation not only between its members, but also with other international organizations, such as the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.
Ilmira Gafiyatullina