Greeting of Vladimir Putin to the Participants of the meeting of Group of strategic vision "Russia-Islamic world" has read Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov, who coordinates Russia's relations with Middle East and Africa, Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and other international Muslim organizations.
I cordially welcome you on the occasion of the regular meeting of Group of strategic vision “Russia – Islamic world.”
The agenda of your meeting includes relevant and important issues, many of which are directly linked to the current dramatic developments in a number of Muslim countries and, quite literally, resonate globally.
With Russia’s help, a powerful blow has been dealt to the forces of terrorism and extremism in Syria. However, terrorists and their accomplices still seek to destabilize the situation in the region and do their utmost to undermine international conflict resolution efforts. They are trying to exploit the persisting differences among ethnic and religious groups and the legitimate resentment of Muslim peoples over the external interference in their domestic affairs and the imposition of foreign models of development.
I would like to reiterate that for the Islamic world, Russia will always remain a loyal friend and ally always ready to offer help in countering global challenges and threats, assist in addressing pertinent issues. For our part, we expect Muslim countries to take a proactive stance in integrating the principles of justice and the rule of law, rejection of coercive diktat and economic and media pressure into international relations.
I am confident that your meeting will be held in a constructive manner, helping to consolidate mutual trust, understanding and cooperation among our countries and peoples.
I wish you fruitful work and all the best.
Vladimir Putin
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"