The XII International Economic Summit "Russia - Islamic World: KazanSummit 2022" opened the Vl Forum of Young Diplomats of OIC countries.
According to Dilbar Sadykova, Chairwoman of the Academy of Youth Diplomacy, the Forum is a unique discussion platform for young diplomats of the world with the participation of well-known socio-political figures, diplomats and government representatives.
The purpose of the Forum is to promote Russia's foreign policy interests, develop bilateral and multilateral economic ties between participating countries (including at the regional level), as well as establish trusting relations with young colleagues from the OIC countries who in the future will determine the foreign policy agenda of their countries.
The forum opened with a video address by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to the participants of the 6th Forum of Young Diplomats of the OIC countries.
In his speech the minister said the event confirmed Kazan's high status as the Youth Capital of the OIC.
"It is symbolic that the forum takes place during the celebration of the 1,100th anniversary of the adoption of Islam by the Volga Bulgaria. Russia is not accidentally formed as a multinational and multiconfessional state, where representatives of different peoples and religions have lived in peace and harmony for centuries. We are ready to share this unique experience with our foreign colleagues. In the current international environment, the role of diplomacy and diplomats cannot be overestimated. The value of respectful dialogue and the ability to listen to one's partner have increased manifold. Your meetings continue to make their contribution to the common work on strengthening the atmosphere of trust and mutual understanding in international affairs," Sergey Lavrov added. At the end of his speech he wished the participants of the forum fruitful meetings and interesting discussions.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov also spoke at the opening of the Forum.
"For the sixth time already, hospitable Tatarstan has opened its doors to young specialists of foreign policy departments and organizations. Working with young people is indeed a great pleasure, they are the future. Since 2016, more than 350 delegates became participants of the event, the Friends of Tatarstan Club and the Kazan Diplomatic Club were established. This formed the basis for the creation of the International Association of Young Diplomats. The Association was founded on the concept of horizontal diplomacy, developed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia, which lies in the creation of a network of grounds for equal, trusting and creative communication between young diplomats, international experts and other representatives of member countries. The OIC platform is one of the brightest and most effective".
Grigory Karasin, Chairman of the Federation Council Committee on Foreign Affairs, stated that it was his second visit to this youth forum, but this event with its constructive agenda aimed at cooperation and establishment of active economic relations contrasts favorably with "the policy of total confrontation and confrontation, which the collective West imposes on us all.
Karasin added that the Group of Strategic Vision "Russia - Islamic World", headed by Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov, contributes significantly to strengthening international relations.
"The Group is actively working to preserve inter-ethnic and inter-religious peace, to increase the effectiveness of mutual exchange of experience. It is symbolic that this year Kazan received the high status of the OIC Youth Capital. It should be noted that this is the first time ever that an OIC observer country has been granted such status. This decision reflects the significant contribution Tatarstan and its leadership make to the development of contacts between representatives of youth in Russia and the Islamic world. The Forum of Young Diplomats is an important platform that allows direct contacts between a new generation of officers of foreign ministries of Russia and the OIC member countries," he said.
Addressing the young diplomats at the opening of the Forum, Ramazan Abdulatipov, Permanent Representative of Russia to the OIC, noted the role played by the previous speakers in the establishment of Russia's foreign policy relations.
"Mikhail Bogdanov, with the support of the Russian President and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, was able to restore the Islamic vector of Russia's foreign policy in the most difficult times."
Ramazan Abdulatipov added that diplomacy is based on spiritual and moral relations. "Russian diplomats must keep their openness and have a broader view of the world," he stressed.
Dilbar Sadykova introduced Konstantin Kolpakov, Chairman of the Russian Foreign Ministry's Young Diplomats' Council, member of the Council on Foreign Defense Policy, and said that thanks to him the informal Club of Friends of Tatarstan, which includes more than 120 young diplomats from OIC countries, was established. In turn, Konstantin Kolpakov said that despite the current situation in the world, a record number of representatives from 17 participating countries came to the forum. He promised a rich and interesting programme for the Forum participants, including the first meeting of the Kazan Diplomatic Club and meeting with the ambassadors who came to KazanSummit.
GSV "Russia - Islamic world"