The specific features of information cooperation between Russia and Muslim countries were discussed today within the framework of the KazanSummit economic forum. Representatives of the Group of Strategic Vision "Russia - Islamic World" took an active part in the panel session. According to Deputy Chairman of the Group Farit Mukhametshin, today the objectivity of modern mass media and international information security are of particular importance.
"The society has long ripened need to identify the potential of interaction between Russia and Islamic countries in the information space. We would like to pay special attention to practical proposals for partnership with structures, institutions and organizations working in the field of information and interested in rapprochement between Russia and the Islamic world," addressed Mukhametshin to the meeting participants. The Deputy Chairman noted that today's conversation may give an impetus to the development of information cooperation. In this regard, Mukhametshin suggested creating a practical platform for permanent meetings and establishing contacts between specialists in the information field on the basis of the "Russia - Islamic world" Group.
In conclusion, Farit Mukhametshin reminded that the Group of Strategic Vision pays special attention to the development of dialogue among civilizations. "Our approaches are based on the recognition that the Islamic world sees the world development in its own way. It is the countries of the East that today become the sources of new ideas and the preservation of traditional values. Russia and the countries of the Islamic world are natural allies in upholding the civilizational and cultural diversity and the development of human society", summed up the speaker.
Ramazan Abdulatipov, Russia's Permanent Representative to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, joined him in his words. He noted that in today's realities, it is extremely important to establish a dialogue between representatives of the Muslim and Christian worlds.
"In the field of Muslim-Christian dialogue, Russia possesses huge experience which the Secretary-General of the OIC also appreciates," Abdulatipov stressed. According to him, in the studies regularly carried out by the OIC in the sphere of aggravation of Islamophobic sentiments, Russia was never mentioned in a negative way. "The OIC not only sees but appreciates Russia's experience of building an effective inter-religious dialogue," the speaker added.
Speaking about working with representatives of mass media Abdulatipov drew attention to the fact that many reporters still have stereotypes and prejudices concerning Islam and the Muslim world in general in their minds. In this regard, Russia's Permanent Representative to the OIC suggested involving the potential of science in the study of religious dialogue issues, focusing on reporters.
In conclusion, Abdulatipov reiterated the merits of Tatarstan and the Group of Strategic Vision in the creation of one of the most effective platforms in the Islamic world - KazanSummit.
Among the honored guests of the panel discussion was also Alexander Bikantov, the Head of the Press Center of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Deputy Director of the Department of Information and Press. Taking the opportunity, he stressed the contribution of the Group of Strategic Vision to the harmonization of relations between Russia and the Muslim world, calling the work of the organization an effective example of public diplomacy.
"The positioning of the Muslim factor and cooperation in the unified information space is increasingly important," Bikantov noted. Today's hallmark of the East, he said, is the emergence of large and authoritative global media outlets. This indicates a strong influence of the media of Muslim countries on the international audience, the use of advanced technologies and a ramified broadcasting system.
"Moscow and the Muslim world are interested in preventing information wars in the world. We all stand for free access to information and respect for the rights of all journalists. Among our priorities are the fight against fakes and disinformation and the fight against stereotypes. Only by joining forces can we effectively oppose information wars and change the balance in the media environment in favor of justice," summed up Alexander Bikantov.
Ilmira Gafiyatullina