Expanding interaction with Muslim countries is one of the priorities of Russia's foreign policy. Rustam Minnikhanov, Rais of the Republic of Tatarstan, head of the Group of Strategic Vision "Russia - Islamic World", said this at a meeting with ambassadors of the OIC member states, representatives of federal and regional authorities and heads of religious associations.
Minnikhanov emphasized that the Islamic world is a unique civilizational community with its own interests in international politics, economics and humanitarian cooperation, and the Islamic economy is a crucial part of the world economy. In today's difficult time, amid the crisis in international relations, the cooperation between the Russian Federation and the countries of the Muslim world is of particular importance.
Russia, as the head of the GSV emphasized, defends the right to its own values and stands for preserving the multipolar world and the diversity of cultures.
Speaking about the most notable events of the past year, Rustam Minnikhanov especially mentioned the 1,100th anniversary of the adoption of Islam by the peoples of the Volga Bulgaria the celebration of which at the federal level had a broad resonance in the Muslim world. In addition, Kazan, the capital of Tatarstan, was the Youth Capital of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation for the entire last year. As part of the Year's program of events the republic hosted the Global Youth Summit.
"The GSV "Russia - Islamic World", which I chair on behalf of our President Vladimir Putin, is a platform for consultations at the level of public and political figures, the business community, the scientific community and clergy with authority and influence in Islamic countries. Today it includes 35 Russian representatives and 34 foreign members from 28 countries and the OIC headquarters. The activity and composition of the Group is constantly expanding. Under its aegis events of economic, scientific, practical, religious and cultural nature are held. The annual general meetings of the Group's members are some sort of summing up. We have recently reintroduced the practice of holding them not only in Russia. Thus, in 2021 the meeting was held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia," reminded Minnikhanov, summarizing the results of the GSV work.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to Malaysia and his historic announcement of Russia's intention to join the Organization of the Islamic Conference as an observer.
"This event launched a great process of cultural and civilizational rapprochement of our country with the Muslim world. Today we are working on organizing the next meeting of the Group in Malaysia this year," said the rais of Tatarstan.
Last year, the Group held more than a dozen major events, focusing on the global agenda, development of dialogue among civilizations and religions, protection of traditional spiritual and family values, deepening humanitarian cooperation, youth development and exchange, improving information flows and communication.
This year the work will be continued according to the approved plan.
"I would like to pay special attention to the upcoming International Economic Forum "Russia - Islamic World: Kazan-Forum" on May 18-19. By the decision of the president of the country from this year it will be held as an event of federal importance. KazanForum is the economic platform for the Group's activities. In this sense, it is unique - there is no similar forum in Russia. To date, an intensive business programme has been prepared. I would like to take this opportunity to invite you to the "KazanForum". I am sure that the participation of guests in the business programme of the forum will give a good practical effect in trade and economic, investment, scientific and technical, humanitarian and many other areas", said Rustam Minnikhanov, addressing the ambassadors of Islamic countries.
GSV "Russia - Islamic world"