In the current circumstances, when there are radical shifts in international politics, Russia's ties with the Islamic world are of particular importance. The statement was made by Rais of the Republic of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov, speaking at the plenary session "Russia - Islamic world: KazanForum 2023: Economic partnership in the modern world."
Minnikhanov reminded that a tremendous role in the development of Russia's relations with Islamic countries belongs to Russian President Vladimir Putin, who addressed the meeting of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (now Organization of Islamic Cooperation) in Malaysia 20 years ago and made several historic statements regarding the development of Russia's relations with the Islamic world, in particular the intention to take an active part in the activities of the OIC. Subsequently, Russia received observer status in the Organization.
The Organization itself, as the RT rais stressed, is the most important state institution of the Islamic world. Approximately 20 million Muslims live in Russia. Islam was adopted in Russia many centuries ago by the indigenous inhabitants. Last year, the Russian Federation celebrated the 1,100th anniversary of the adoption of Islam by the Volga Bulgars. The positions of Russia and Islamic countries coincide on most issues of international development.
An important area of cooperation between Russia and the Islamic world is trade and investment. Islamic economy is the most critical part of the world economy. Its role in international trade also continues to grow.
Russia seeks to develop cooperation with OIC countries, respecting their sociopolitical ways of life and traditional spiritual and moral values. Cooperation in such areas as trade turnover, restructuring of logistic chains for the delivery of goods, import substitution, technological sovereignty and implementation of joint investment projects is of particular importance under current conditions.
In this context, KazanForum is unique. For 14 years, participants and guests of the forum have been discussing the most promising projects of mutual interest. The business program of the current forum is extremely rich. The program includes more than 150 events on topics such as international cooperation, Islamic finance, halal industry, technology, innovation, investment, industry, female perspective and logistics.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: official website of Rais RT