Rustam Minnikhanov, the Rais of the Republic of Tatarstan, held a meeting with Salim bin Mohammed AlMalik, the Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO).
Also in attendance were Grigory Gurov, the Chairman of the Board of the Russian Movement of Children and Youth "Movement of the First", Damir Fattakhov, the Deputy Head of the Federal Agency for Youth Affairs (Rosmolodezh), Leila Fazleyeva, the Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Tatarstan, and other dignitaries.
ICESCO is a specialized organization that focuses on education, science, culture, and communication within Muslim countries, aiming to enhance connections among member states. The organization's headquarters are situated in Rabat, Morocco.
During the meeting, Rustam Minnikhanov emphasized Tatarstan's significant commitment to fostering cooperation with ICESCO. He conveyed his appreciation for the organization's valuable contributions to advancing and cultivating their bilateral relations. Addressing Salim AlMalik, Minnikhanov stated, "We hold your efforts in high regard for fostering and enhancing our partnership."
"Tatarstan is among the leading regions in Russia that actively engage with the Muslim world and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. However, our potential for collaboration is far from being fully utilized. We place significant emphasis on international humanitarian cooperation and the preservation of global cultural heritage," Rustam Minnikhanov expressed. He further highlighted Tatarstan's contribution to the UNESCO World Heritage List, with three notable sites: the Kazan Kremlin, the historic city of Bolgar, and the island-town of Sviyazhsk. Additionally, Minnikhanov mentioned that preparations have been made to submit an application for the inclusion of another landmark, the Astronomical Observatories of Kazan Federal University, onto the UNESCO list.
Rustam Minnikhanov also extended an invitation to Mr. Salim AlMalik to participate in the upcoming meeting of Group of Strategic Vision "Russia - Islamic World," scheduled for October this year in Malaysia.
Furthermore, he announced that the traditional International Economic Forum "Russia - Islamic World: KazanForum" is set to take place in May 2024. Adding to the roster of significant events, the BRICS Heads of State Summit will be hosted in Kazan in 2024. Addressing the ICESCO director-general, Minnikhanov warmly welcomed his attendance at these forthcoming occasions.
Expressing gratitude for AlMalik's attention towards Tatarstan and the Kazan Global Youth Summit, the rais of Tatarstan expressed confidence that their current discussions would bolster collaboration and the advancement of culture, education, and science within the Islamic world.
During the meeting, ICESCO Director- General Salim AlMalik acknowledged his first visit to Kazan and highlighted the numerous avenues for potential collaboration. He emphasized Tatarstan's support for youth, noting that the future lies in their hands. He shared that within his organization, 28% of the workforce is under the age of 30.
Mr. Salim bin Mohammed AlMalik further expressed ICESCO's interest in cooperation with Tatarstan and Russia. He conveyed his appreciation for the invitations to the international events in Kazan and confirmed his participation in them.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: press service of Rais of RT
Based on materials of press service of Rais of RT