Chairman of the Group of Strategic Vision "Russia - Islamic World" Rustam Minnikhanov has taken office as the Rais of Tatarstan. This new term marks his fourth. The inauguration ceremony for the head of the republic took place on September 19 in Kazan.
Upon assuming office, Minnikhanov thanked citizens for their trust and expressed his awareness of his responsibility to residents, their ancestors, and future generations. He honored the memory of those who defended the city during the Great Patriotic War and paid tribute to those who participated in the special military operation.
Members of the Russian government, ambassadors of friendly countries — China, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan, Heroes of Russia, and the heads of several Russian regions attended the ceremony. Rais expressed gratitude to Russian President Vladimir Putin, the Russian government, and the first president of Tatarstan, Mintimer Shaimiev.
In his congratulatory speech, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin noted that Tatarstan has become a well-known, positive brand abroad and consistently demonstrates high results across all indicators. Furthermore, Tatarstan is developing international cooperation, particularly with Islamic countries.
Russia's trade turnover with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) countries has grown by 44% over the past four years, while tourism has increased by 2.5 times. Given Tatarstan's historical Muslim heritage, these countries have become key partners for the republic in its search for new markets, attracting technology, and attracting investment following the collapse of the USSR.
The republic's unique experience in interreligious harmony, known as the "Tatarstan model", has also attracted international interest. Russia's accession to the OIC as an observer was a significant milestone. The Group of Strategic Vision "Russia - Islamic World", established in 2006 with the active participation of Tatarstan, is a practical embodiment of this approach. Minnikhanov has headed it since 2014.
A few hours after the inauguration, King of Malaysia Sultan Ibrahim arrived in Kazan. His Majesty congratulated Minnikhanov on his assumption of office. This is the King's second visit to the republic: the first took place in August, immediately after his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Then, Ibrahim, along with Minnikhanov, visited the Kazan Helicopter Plant and praised the Aurus automobile produced in Tatarstan.
This visit symbolizes the mutually respectful cooperation between Malaysia and Russia, which is developing, in part, through the activities of the Group of Strategic Vision. A delegation from the Group, led by Minnikhanov, first visited Malaysia in December 2024, where a meeting was held on the topic of "Interaction between Russia and the Islamic World in the Emerging Multipolarity".
Speaking at the meeting, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar bin Ibrahim stated that partnership with Russia is not only about politics, but also about trade and economic cooperation, including in the area of Islamic finance and innovative technologies, as well as cultural ties.
In May 2025, a high-level Malaysian delegation, led by the Prime Minister, visited Moscow and Tatarstan to participate in the 16th International Economic Forum "Russia – Islamic World: KazanForum – 2025." Speaking at the forum, Mr. Ibrahim called Tatarstan and Russia as a whole one of the leading voices of the Muslim world.
Leaders from various countries sent congratulations to Rustam Minnikhanov on the occasion of his inauguration. King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Salman bin Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa wished him success in his work and "security, stability, progress, and prosperity to all the brotherly people of Tatarstan."
In his letter, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev noted that Kazakhs know and respect Rais as a consistent advocate of strengthening friendship and comprehensive cooperation, while Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov expressed confidence that all Tatarstan residents are involved in the republic's socio-political life and committed to its development.
Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and Chairman of the Halk Maslakhaty, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, highly praised Rais's work and the level of trust he enjoys among the people of Tatarstan. Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev not only sent a congratulatory telegram but also a delegation led by the governor of Tashkent region.
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko also sent a congratulatory telegram. He emphasized that, thanks to Minnikhanov's efforts, Tatarstan continues to achieve high results in cooperation with Belarus, launching and implementing new joint projects.
Congratulations were also received from foreign members of the Group of Strategic Vision "Russia - Islamic World". These included representatives from Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Iraq, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Senegal, Tajikistan, and Tunisia.
President of the OIC Youth Forum Taha Ayhan and Director of the Center for Strategic Forecasting of the Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) Kais Hammami also congratulated the Rais of the Republic of Tatarstan on his assumption of office.
It is important to note the congratulations of the honorary participants of the Group’s meetings – the Chairman of the World Council of Muslim Communities (UAE) Ali Rashid Al Nuaimi and the Director General of ICESCO Salem bin Mohammed Al-Malik.
Minnikhanov became the republic's leader 15 years ago, succeeding Mintimer Shaimiev. He took his first oath of office on March 25, 2010, when the title was still known as "president". Minnikhanov won reelection in 2015 and 2020. On September 16, 2025, the Central Election Commission of Tatarstan certified the results of the latest elections: the incumbent head of the republic received 88.09% of the vote.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: official website of the Rais RT