Russia maintains mutually respectful relations with the countries of the Islamic world, and their further strengthening is among the invariable priorities of the Russian foreign policy. This was stated by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov at the meeting of the leaders of the Group of Strategic Vision "Russia - Islamic World" with ambassadors of the member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, representatives of federal and regional authorities, and heads of religious associations.
"Russia - the largest Eurasian power, the state-civilization - maintains good, honest, mutually respectful relations with the countries of the Islamic world. Their further strengthening is among the constant priorities of Russian foreign policy. We are united by our commitment to the cultural and civilizational diversity of the peoples of the planet and their right to determine their own political, social and economic development. Together with our friends from the Muslim states we stand for the formation of a more just and democratic multipolar world order based on the principles of the UN Charter. We reject the ultra-liberal values aggressively imposed by the 'collective West' led by the United States," said the head of the Russian diplomacy.
Lavrov emphasized that this year was symbolic in many ways. It will be the 20th anniversary of President Vladimir Putin's historic speech at the meeting of the heads of states and governments of the Organization of the Islamic Conference in Malaysia. Then the Russian leader called for the development of our country's relations with the Muslim world in a qualitatively new format. Russia was then granted observer status in this international association. Thus, the foundations were laid for a partnership between Russia and the Islamic world aimed at a joint search for appropriate responses to numerous challenges of our time.
"The Group of Strategic Visions "Russia - Islamic world" created in 2006 and headed by Rustam Minnikhanov, Rais of the Republic of Tatarstan, has become the core mechanism of our dialogue and promotion of perspective and mutually beneficial projects. Over the years, within its framework various useful initiatives aimed at strengthening the atmosphere of friendship, trust and mutual understanding between our countries and peoples were launched. Today, a broad public support, including that provided by business circles, religious associations, youth organizations, academics and cultural figures, contributes to further building cooperation. Russian regions, where Muslims have historically lived in harmony and peace with representatives of other confessions, make an important contribution to joint efforts," said the head of the MFA.
Sergey Lavrov also reminded that Kazan will host the International Economic Forum "Russia - Islamic World: Kazanforum" in late May, which has already attained the federal level. It will be held simultaneously with a special meeting of the Group of Strategic Vision.
"I count on our esteemed colleagues - ambassadors of the OIC member states - to convey information about the upcoming event to their leadership. We are waiting for you together with the representative delegations of your countries in the hospitable capital of Tatarstan," concluded the minister.
GSV "Russia - Islamic world"
Photo: Russian Foreign Ministry