The working visit of Tatarstan's Rais Rustam Minnikhanov to Saudi Arabia was a practical implementation of the mission of the Group of Strategic Vision «Russia - Islamic World», which he heads on behalf of the Russian President Vladimir Putin. The trip, timed to coincide with the centenary of Russian-Saudi diplomatic relations, was filled with events aimed at strengthening the multifaceted partnership.
Participation in a thematic roundtable organized on the Group's line served as a consultative event. Opening the discussion, Rustam Minnikhanov noted that such formats, initiated by the GSV, allows for the transition from general discussions to practical steps to strengthen ties.
"Today, Saudi Arabia is an important partner of the Russian Federation on the international stage. We enjoy stable relations in political interaction, economic cooperation, and, importantly, humanitarian cooperation. This is undoubtedly the result of the wise policies of our countries' leaders," the Group Chairman emphasized.
Particular emphasis was placed on Tatarstan's role as an active facilitator of constructive and mutually respectful dialogue. Speaking about growing trade and cooperation in the halal industry, Minnikhanov noted: "We in Tatarstan are carefully studying your country's experience and strive to adopt best practices."
The visit’s agenda was further bolstered by high-level talks with Dr. Salem bin Mohammed Al Malik, Director General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO). This part of the program logically complemented the main agenda, as ICESCO unites 54 Muslim countries, and Russia holds observer status. Here, Minnikhanov presented two key initiatives. First, he proposed holding the IСESCO General Assembly in Kazan at the KazanForum. Second, he put forward the idea of establishing an International Prize named after Gabdulla Tukay.
"We believe that in the Year of the Cultural Capital of the Islamic World, which coincides with the 140th anniversary of Gabdulla Tukay's birth, it would be appropriate to commemorate our poet in this way," explained the Rais of Tatarstan.
A concrete outcome of this meeting was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between ICESCO and the Ministry of Culture of Tatarstan, marking a logical step in the development of cooperation following the decision made a year earlier. It was then, in February 2025, at the 13th Conference of ICESCO Ministers of Culture in Jeddah, that Kazan was awarded the honorary status of Cultural Capital of the Islamic World for 2026.
The visit clearly demonstrated the effectiveness of work of the Group of Strategic Vision «Russia - Islamic World», led by Rustam Minnikhanov. This platform functions as a multifunctional tool: it synchronizes diplomatic efforts, translates them into specific regional projects, and generates humanitarian messages that bring Russia and the Islamic world closer together.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: official website of the Rais RT
Based on materials from the press service of the Rais RT