Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu: over the past 15 years, there have been qualitative changes in Russia's relations with the Islamic world

30 June 2020


Speaking at the video conference "15 years of partnership between the Russian Federation and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation", former Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu noted the importance of the Russian Federation joining the OIC as an observer. "15 years ago, I considered it my duty and was very proud, as the newly elected Secretary-General of the OIC, to be able to help the Russian Federation join this organization. You remember the meeting of Foreign Ministers in Sana'a in 2005, a few months after I began my duties as the ninth Secretary-General of the OIC", - Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu said.


Speaking about the importance of Russia's joining the OIC, Mr. Ihsanoglu said the following: "By joining the family of OIC countries and paying due attention to the Muslim world, the Russian Federation is undoubtedly opening a new page in its relations with the Muslim world. As yesterday, so today, we appreciate the efforts made by the Russian Federation and its government in maintaining good relations with the Muslim world. Such efforts can benefit all parties and, of course, they must be continued. There is no doubt that these efforts will produce appropriate results and contribute to the maintenance of peace and stability, security and prosperity."

 

Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu is one of the key figures in Russia's relations with the Islamic world, as he always supports direct dialogue between the Islamic world and Russia. He often visits our country, which is the most important indicator of the attention of the Islamic world to the Muslims of Russia, their culture and traditions.


His visit to the annual meeting of the Group of Strategic Vision  "Russia – Islamic world" in November 2019 was one of the most significant events of this event, since the name of Mr. Ihsanoglu sounded like the name of one of the main architects of building a special relationship between Russia and the Islamic world.

 

GSV "Russia - Islamic World"