Farit Mukhametshin, Advisor to the Chairman of the Group of Strategic Vision "Russia – Islamic World" and Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation, addressed the Group’s meeting with ambassadors of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) member states in Moscow.
“The Group's work last year was shaped by Russia’s updated foreign policy concept, which, for the first time, included a dedicated section on the Islamic World," he said. “It highlights the growing importance of the Islamic civilization as a reliable and strategic partner for Russia in addressing security and economic challenges both globally and regionally.”
One of the key events of 2024 was the international conference held in Kazan, which gathered 200 representatives from 45 OIC countries. The discussions focused on the evolving relationship between Russia and Muslim-majority countries amid today’s rapidly shifting global political landscape, as well as other pressing international issues and emerging global challenges.
“In his welcoming address to the conference participants, President Vladimir Putin acknowledged the significance of the Group’s meeting with OIC leadership, and reaffirmed Russia’s commitment to deepening its cooperation with this respected international organization,” Mukhametshin noted.
From December 11 to 19, 2024, the Group held an offsite session in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, under the theme “Russia and the Islamic World: Cooperation in an Emerging Multipolar Era.” Supported by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, the event brought together over 300 public figures, political leaders, religious authorities, scholars, and experts from 32 countries.
“In his message to participants, President Putin emphasized the importance of holding the session in Malaysia,” Mukhametshin added. “He once again underlined the value of fostering friendly relations with Muslim nations, expressing confidence that ‘together, we advocate for a fair and democratic global order.’”
The Group has also been actively engaged in issues of Islamic finance, taking part in conferences on partnership-based financing, and fostering interfaith dialogue by organizing meetings with leaders of traditional religious communities.
Looking ahead to 2025, a dedicated conference is planned on the unity of the Muslim Ummah and countering radicalization. Special attention will be given to youth policy, with initiatives focusing on education and the prevention of extremism.
“More than 20 leading Russian and international university rectors, as well as ministers of youth affairs and youth organization leaders from OIC countries, are invited to take part in the Group’s May 2025 session,” he shared.
Concluding his remarks, Mukhametshin reaffirmed the Group’s role as an effective platform for public diplomacy—strengthening the bonds between Russia and the Islamic world.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: Federation Council