Today, multipolarity is not just a political term, but an objective reality that also dictates the need for stronger ties between Russia and the countries of the Islamic world. The Russian Federation is offering equal partnerships with the Islamic world. This was stated by Rustam Minnikhanov, Chairman of the Group of Strategic Vision “Russia – Islamic World” and Rais of Tatarstan, during a meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. He emphasized the relevance of the meeting's theme – “Russia and the Islamic World: Cooperation in the Era of Emerging Multipolarity” – and how it aligns with current global realities.
“Multipolarity today is not just a term used by political analysts; it is an objective reality. Unfortunately, the world has once again lost its stability. Crisis, pressure, sanctions, and wars are increasingly dominating global governance. The challenges facing the Middle East and Africa, Palestine, Yemen, Ukraine, Taiwan, and many other hotspots are the result of the wrongful interference of the collective West. We see how the escalation of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict is leading to catastrophic consequences for the entire Middle East, dragging more and more countries into the spiral of confrontation. The path to normalization in the region is well-known — it starts with stopping the bloodshed, creating conditions for political resolution based on internationally recognized legal norms, and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state,” Minnikhanov said.
“Today, sadly, in its attempt to preserve its influence and maintain balance, the collective West resorts to tactics of blackmail, sanctions, asset theft, its monopoly on global markets, and the use of an unsecured paper dollar as a weapon. It seeks to reshape international relations to its advantage, inventing new forms of modern-day neocolonialism, primarily targeting the Global South. Despite its claims of championing freedom of speech, the West demonstrates intolerance toward any alternative viewpoints. Increasingly, we see things being turned on their head — black is called white, men are called women, lies and injustice are promoted as truth and democracy, and international law is replaced by a system of rules designed to serve the interests of a select group of countries. This is a dead-end path that harms the entire world. What is needed is an alternative agenda that will preserve global peace and stability, allow countries to develop harmoniously and freely, create equal and competitive conditions, and open up new opportunities for all states, nations, and peoples.
We hope that through the joint efforts of all the rightful forces and nations, we will be able to shape a proper development vector for humanity, based on mutually beneficial cooperation, equality, justice, and respect for national traditions and values. An important contribution to this process was Russia's presidency of the BRICS group and the 16th BRICS summit held in Kazan in October. Under the leadership of President Vladimir Putin, this summit, which was held under the slogan “Strengthening Multilateralism for Fair Global Development and Security,” was a key event in international relations, opening a new chapter in global diplomacy. The summit participants discussed major international issues, focusing on the situation in the Middle East, and the cooperation between BRICS and the Global South for inclusive and sustainable development. The summit concluded with the adoption of the Kazan Declaration, effectively a roadmap for a multipolar world.
During the summit, Kazan hosted delegations from 36 countries and 6 international organizations, including the UN Secretary-General. 24 countries were represented by their leaders, including Russia, China, India, Brazil, South Africa, the UAE, Egypt, Iran, and Turkey. This wide participation underscores the growing authority and importance of BRICS in the modern world, as well as the rising interest in cooperation from many countries. Over 30 countries have already expressed a desire to join the group, and at the Kazan summit, 13 countries were granted partner status. I am pleased to note that three leading Islamic nations — Egypt, Iran, and the UAE — are now members of BRICS. A total of 16 Islamic countries, members of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), participated in the summit. As a result of the Kazan summit, 5 more Islamic countries, including Malaysia, became BRICS partners. This highlights the increasing influence and political and economic potential of the Islamic world.
Today, BRICS represents over 30% of the world's territory, more than 45% of the global population, and around 38% of global GDP. BRICS countries produce 40% of the world's oil and account for about a quarter of global exports. The interest in BRICS is growing steadily. Its members are driving the world’s economic growth. However, BRICS is not an alliance against anyone nor is it a replacement for the UN. It is, above all, about creating new opportunities for the benefit of its members and for the sustainable development of the planet. Here, strengthening Russia's ties with the Islamic countries and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) is of paramount importance. Our Group will actively support these processes and prepare expert proposals.
Many countries of the Islamic world are currently facing significant challenges, including the spread of radical extremism and terrorism, political instability, armed conflicts, economic problems, high unemployment, inequality, and the preservation of Islamic values and identity amid globalization. There is a need for the attention and efforts of both Islamic leaders and the international community in addressing these issues.
The Russian Federation offers the Islamic world equal relations; diplomatic conflict resolution; trade, economic, and investment cooperation; cultural, educational, and youth programs; as well as joint efforts in science, high technologies, sports, and tourism. These areas are not only intended to strengthen ties between Russia and the Islamic world but also to promote sustainable development and international security. Here, we see great potential in Malaysia, which plays a key role in the Islamic world in many respects. Malaysia's upcoming presidency of ASEAN in 2025 will undoubtedly contribute to strengthening regional security and advancing cooperation in the areas of economics and socio-cultural development.
Another important factor in strengthening Russia's relations with the OIC countries is youth cooperation. Together with the OIC Youth Forum, we are working to establish youth projects based on friendship and shared values, which will eventually serve as a foundation for building a multipolar and sustainable world. One such initiative is the All-Russian Children's and Youth Movement 'Movement of the First,' which is developing an international network of school diplomacy clubs. These clubs allow young people from different countries to learn about each other's cultures and traditions, practice languages, and make new friends. Currently, more than 200 schools in 20 countries participate in this initiative, including 10 in Malaysia. Malaysia's youth policy is unique in many ways, with the National Youth Council, previously led by Anwar Ibrahim, being an effective mechanism for nurturing patriots and preparing leaders for the country.
Tatarstan was one of the initiators of the creation of the Group of Strategic Vision (GSV) 'Russia – Islamic World' in 2006, and we have carried out extensive work to strengthen our country's relations with the Muslim states.
Every year, with the support of the OIC, we host the International Economic Forum 'Russia – Islamic World: KazanForum.' This year, more than 20,000 representatives from 87 countries participated. During the forum, we also hold the annual meeting of the GSV 'Russia – Islamic World'. In addition, we organize the Kazan Global Youth Summit, with the participation of youth ministers and young leaders from OIC member states. We would be happy to welcome you and your delegations to these events next year,” emphasized Rustam Minnikhanov.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: official website of the Rais RT