Russia and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation countries are like-minded in democratizing life and building international relations on the basis of the UN Charter. This was stated by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in his welcoming address to participants of the meeting of the leaders of the Group of Strategic Vision (GSV) "Russia - Islamic World" with ambassadors of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). The message of the head of the Russian Foreign Ministry was read out by Ambassador for Special Assignments of the Russian Foreign Ministry, Special Representative of the Minister for Interaction with Organizations of Muslim Countries, Deputy Chairman of the Group Konstantin Shuvalov.
Lavrov stressed that Russia and Islamic countries are united by their conviction in the right of the world countries to determine their own destiny without the imposition of models of development from outside.
Close interaction between Russia and the countries of the Islamic world is conditioned, among other things, by historical experience. Representatives of different civilizations, religions and cultures have lived in Russia for centuries in peace and harmony. This explains the support in Russian society for building ties with the states of the Islamic world. The countries of the OIC, as the head of the RF Foreign Ministry noted, show a reciprocal interest in developing relations with Russia.
A special role in this process is played by the Group of Strategic Vision "Russia - Islamic World", headed by Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov. Today on the platform of the Group all kinds of initiatives focused on the expansion of the partnership between the Russian Federation and the OIC are being implemented. "It is gratifying that, despite the pandemic, the Group is not slowing down," stressed Sergey Lavrov.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: Russian Foreign Ministry
