Marat Gatin, assistant to the Rais of Tatarstan and deputy chairman of the Group of Strategic Vision “Russia - Islamic World”, met with representatives of the Uzbek media and blogosphere. Among the guests were popular influencers with thousands of followers and journalists from leading television channels, including Zinnura Ruzmatova, Nargiza Sodikova, and Osmonabegim Mavlonova, as well as representatives of the National Television and Radio Company and the Renaissance TV channel.
The meeting was held as part of the "Dialogue of Cultures: Tatarstan – Uzbekistan" project in collaboration with the Academy of Youth Diplomacy, the All-Russian public-state movement of children and youth "Movement of the First," and the "SHAP Production" project.
Marat Gatin praised the Youth Diplomacy Academy project, calling it "project number one" in the dialogue between Russia and Uzbekistan. He noted that this initiative is well-thought-out and contributes to strengthening bilateral relations.
"The project is working for the benefit of our two countries and two fraternal peoples – the Uzbek and Tatar peoples. This is very important," Gatin emphasized . He also noted the key role of public and social diplomacy in building trust. Addressing representatives of the Uzbek media, Gatin said, "The fact that you are at least being listened to, and most importantly, heard, is extremely important."
In response, Uzbek media representatives expressed their willingness to partner. They noted, "We were very pleased with the warm welcome. Indeed, it's much easier to unite peoples through cultural dialogue."
As part of the development of cultural dialogue, the possibility of an off-site meeting in Istanbul is being considered. "The working theme of this meeting is cultural dialogue and the expansion of economic partnership," Gatin clarified. He added that cultural interaction will pave the way for economic cooperation, as friendly and trusting relations accelerate the implementation of specific joint projects.
Gatin also discussed the history of the Group of Strategic Vision “Russia - Islamic World” (GSV). It was established in 2006 on behalf of the President of Russia Vladimir Putin after Russia joined the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) as an observer. Its initiators were Russian Prime Minister Yevgeny Primakov and the first president of Tatarstan, Mintimer Shaimiev. Following a period of suspension during the Arab Spring, Rustam Minnikhanov, the head of Tatarstan, assumed leadership of the GSV in 2014.
Speaking about Minnikhanov, his deputy described the chairman as a very active leader who is received at the level of heads of state and invited to various forums.
According to Marat Gatin, thanks to Minnikhanov's efforts, the Group of Strategic Vision's contribution to bringing Russia closer to the Islamic world has significantly increased. Currently, in Uzbekistan in particular, as in many other Islamic countries, a number of practical projects are being implemented.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"