In 2023, trade turnover between the Russian Federation and the member countries of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) increased by 30%, reflecting strengthening economic ties and mutually beneficial cooperation. This announcement was made by Sehar Kamran, a member of Pakistan’s National Assembly and head of the Pakistan and Gulf Studies Center, during the off-site meeting of the Group of Strategic Vision “Russia – Islamic World.” The event, held in Kuala Lumpur under the chairmanship of Tatarstan’s Rais Rustam Minnikhanov, focused on the theme, “Russia and the Islamic World: Cooperation in the Era of Emerging Multipolarity.”
Kamran emphasized that the global political landscape is undergoing seismic shifts, creating complex challenges for nations and civilizations. In this turbulent geopolitical environment, both political and economic uncertainties are rising, and the risk of escalating tensions remains significant unless viable solutions are found.
“It would not be an overstatement to say that the era of the current unipolar international structure has ended. We must make every effort to establish a new political framework founded on mutual respect for sovereignty, justice, equality, and, above all, humanity,” Kamran remarked.
She further noted that disruptions in global political structures are placing increased pressure on international economic and trade systems. Emerging economic powers like China, Russia, and Brazil are reshaping trade models, challenging traditional Western dominance. This shift from a unipolar to a multipolar order marks a significant evolution in trade relations, with alliances such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), BRICS, and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) fostering collaboration among developing nations and amplifying their influence on global trade norms.
However, Kamran warned that this transition is not without risks. Geopolitical tensions, rising protectionism, and economic fragmentation pose substantial challenges to global trade stability and threaten the cohesion of multilateral trade policies. “As I mentioned earlier, global political and economic systems are under immense strain due to strategic competition between status quo powers and those challenging it. This creates a unique opportunity for the Russian Federation and the Islamic world to intensify dialogue and cooperation across the full spectrum of their relations,” he said.
According to Kamran, a new model of collaboration must be based on mutual respect, equality, and an appreciation of cultural distinctions. “It is heartening to see the recent warmth between the leadership of the Russian Federation and the Islamic world,” he noted.
Kamran highlighted the significance of the 16th annual BRICS Summit (October 22–24, 2024), which welcomed three Muslim-majority nations—Egypt, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates—as full members. He also pointed to the SCO Summit (October 15–16, 2024), hosted by Pakistan, as another positive milestone in fostering closer ties.
The 30% increase in trade turnover between Russia and OIC countries in 2023 further underscores the growing economic collaboration and mutual benefits of this partnership. Kamran stressed the importance of not only deepening political and economic ties but also fostering people-to-people connections and interfaith and intercultural dialogue between these two civilizations.
The Strategic Importance of Russia's Relationship with the Islamic World
Kamran noted that the OIC represents a population of approximately 2 billion people and a combined GDP of $27.9 trillion. In Russia, around 26 million Muslims, constituting about 15% of the population, play a crucial role in bridging ties with the Islamic world.
In 2003, Russian President Vladimir Putin became the first head of state from a non-Muslim-majority country to address an OIC summit, marking a historic milestone. Today, Russia holds observer status in the OIC, underscoring its commitment to fostering constructive relations with Muslim-majority nations and its strategic interest in strengthening ties with the broader Islamic world.
Kamran also emphasized the potential for collaboration in various sectors, including energy partnerships, trade relations, and joint counterterrorism initiatives, which align with shared interests in security and regional stability. Additionally, exploring Islamic finance through Russian banks presents promising opportunities for both Russian investors and Islamic financial institutions.
“By leveraging our shared interests and focusing on areas of mutual benefit, we can forge a stronger and more resilient partnership between Russia and the Islamic world,” Kamran concluded.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"