Rais of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov held a meeting with Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Hissein Brahim Taha, at the Kazan Kremlin.
Prior to the meeting, the OIC Secretary General signed the guest book of honor.
Rustam Minnikhanov expressed gratitude to Mr. Taha for his continued attention to deepening cooperation with Tatarstan. “Our contacts are becoming a good tradition,” he noted.
He emphasized that Russia sees the states of the Islamic world as reliable partners in shaping a multipolar world order, ensuring international security and stability, and addressing economic challenges. He pointed to the growing involvement of Islamic countries in BRICS as a clear example.
“Tatarstan is proud to play a role in strengthening Russia’s relations with the OIC,” Minnikhanov said, thanking Mr. Taha for the opportunity to participate in the 2024 OIC Summit in The Gambia.
He recalled that the Group of Strategic Vision “Russia – Islamic World,” which he has chaired since 2014 at the instruction of the Russian President, actively works in cooperation with the OIC. “Your colleagues participate regularly in our meetings. Last year we held an off-site session in Malaysia. The next annual meeting will take place in Kazan on May 16 and will focus on a very relevant topic: ‘Youth Policy Experience of Russia and Islamic Countries: Shared Challenges and Joint Solutions.’ The future belongs to the youth — they are key to our stability and prosperity,” the rais emphasized.
Minnikhanov also highlighted Tatarstan’s ongoing dialogue with various OIC structures in the fields of culture, science, education, and youth policy. He noted that Kazan was officially designated the 2026 Cultural Capital of the Islamic World at the 13th Conference of Islamic Ministers of Culture. “We are planning 12 major events as part of this status next year, and we look forward to welcoming you again in Kazan,” he told Mr. Taha.
Trade turnover between Tatarstan and OIC member states has reached $8 billion, showing substantial growth. The republic is also a pilot region for introducing Islamic (partner) banking and finance principles in Russia. Tatarstan is actively promoting the halal lifestyle and economy. “The OIC and you personally play an important role in supporting all these initiatives,” he said.
Minnikhanov also pointed out the successful cooperation in sports, mentioning that in 2023, Kazan hosted the first ice hockey tournament among Islamic countries.
“Once again, thank you for visiting our republic. We look forward to continued and enhanced cooperation with the OIC,” Minnikhanov concluded.
In response, Secretary General Taha thanked Tatarstan for the warm welcome. “We are united by strong bonds of friendship. You and your team are an example of true professionalism,” he said. “The world is complicated, and we don’t always have clear answers to its challenges. But what matters is that our countries stand together. This unity allows us to address any problem. We must jointly face the challenges, protect peace, security, and our shared values.”
As part of his visit to Kazan, Mr. Taha explored the republic’s economic, investment, and cultural potential. He also visited Kazan Federal University, the Bolgar State Historical and Architectural Museum-Reserve, the Bolgar Islamic Academy, and the Kazan Kremlin, including the Kul Sharif Mosque and Annunciation Cathedral.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: official website of the Rais RT
Based on materials from the Press Service of the Rais RT