Kazan Declaration of the second meeting of Group of strategic vision “Russia – Islamic World”

31 August 2006

We – the participants of the second meeting of Group of strategic vision “Russia – Islamic world” would like to note with satisfaction the positive example of inter-ethnic peace and tranquility, stable coexistence of religions and nations, the progressive development of cultures and religious thought, which is Tatarstan – a republic with a predominantly Muslim population within the Russian Federation.

 

Kazan Declaration of the second meeting of Group of strategic vision “Russia – Islamic World”

 

Experience of successful economic and social development of Tatarstan and the whole of Russia proves not only the possibility of constructive cooperation between different religions, primarily Christianity and Islam, but also shows that the education of youth in the spirit of tolerance and skilful political leadership interaction of different faiths is not only rewarding but also is able to become a generator of dynamic growth in all spheres of public life. That is a partnership of various cultures and religions, each of which has made its own unique contribution to the history of the world, rather than confrontation, should be the basis for the further development of mankind.

 

Islamophobia pays dividends for nobody, it only exacerbates the situation. In this regard, we call for concrete action to establish a dialogue and broaden understanding among civilizations, cultures and religions, providing tolerance, respect and freedom of religion and belief.

 

We consider it important to inform the world community about the principles and values of Islam, including young people, and emphasizing the crucial role of the press. Educational institutions should include in their program courses the history of religions.
We reaffirm our commitment to the noble ideas of peace, humanism and tolerance in response to the tests facing humanity in the XXI century. We strongly condemn terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and reject any attempt to associate terrorism with any religion or nationality.

 

It is possible to cope with the troubles and misfortunes of mankind, international terrorism only through a rapid and peaceful solution to the conflicts, which should be the main task of the international organizations. We also consider it important to develop and deepen the dialogue among civilizations. This is our strategic vision of providing peace and harmony in multi-ethnic and multi-religious world community.

 

The participants of the meeting “Russia – Islamic World” express their deep gratitude to the President of the Republic of Tatarstan, Mintimer Shaimiev, the Government of the Republic and its people for the very warm welcome and the excellent organization of the second meeting of Group of strategic vision “Russia – Islamic world.”