Rais of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov met with Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation Hissein Brahim Taha. The meeting took place at the OIC office in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
The main topic of the meeting was the discussion of the upcoming International Economic Forum "Russia – Islamic World: KazanForum".
Rustam Minnikhanov said Tatarstan carries out active work with the structures of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. In particular, there is constant interaction with the Islamic Development Bank, the Islamic Organization for Education, Science and Culture, the OIC Youth Forum, the Academy of Sciences of the Islamic World and so on.
"With the support of our President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, the forum has acquired federal status. About two hundred events will be held within its framework this year. We will be sincerely glad to see you as a guest of honor," said Rustam Minnikhanov and handed the invitation to the secretary-general.
Rustam Minnikhanov reminded that this year marks the 20th anniversary of the Russian president's speech in Malaysia, where he announced Russia's intention to join the Organization of Islamic Cooperation as an observer.
"This launched a great process of cultural and civilizational rapprochement of our country with the Muslim world. We plan to hold the next meeting of the Group of Strategic Vision in Malaysia," Rustam Minnikhanov said.
"Malaysia is an important country for our organization," said the OIC secretary-general.
Hissein Taha spoke about his last visit to Russia late last year, describing it as very successful.
"I had a very successful visit to Russia at the end of last year. Inshallah (God willing) I will attend your forum. We are brothers with you, and we will always support you," said the OIC secretary-general.
Rustam Minnikhanov dwelt separately on the theme of economic cooperation of OIC countries with the Russian Federation.
"On the example of Tatarstan, we seek to fine-tune the practical mechanisms of interaction with Islamic business. Great prospects are opening up in the development of the Islamic economy. In particular, the halal food industry, halal tourism, halal medicine are developing," he said.
Tatarstan attaches great importance to the development of trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian contacts with the Muslim states.
Within the framework of the "Russia – Islamic world: KazanForum" the first hockey tournament among the Islamic countries "Kazan Hockey Cup" was held in January this year. It was attended by 350 participants from 15 countries. As a result of the tournament, the Association for Development of Ice Hockey in Islamic Countries was established.
"The essence of this organization is to promote a healthy lifestyle among children and youth through developing hockey. The tournament showed high interest among the countries of the Islamic world," Rustam Minnikhanov stressed.
During the meeting, they discussed the prospect of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation in the development of this area. In particular, supervision by the OIC as a founder or partner.
"We attach great importance to youth. Your efforts are very close to us, we are ready to consider your proposals and start working on them", concluded the OIC secretary-general.
The meeting concluded with the project presentation.
GSV "Russia - Islamic world"
Photo: official website of Rais RT
Based on materials from the official website of Rais RT