Russia's cooperation with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) is gaining momentum and spreading to new areas, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Monday at a press conference following talks with OIC Secretary-General Hissein Brahim Taha.
"We had very useful talks. This is our second meeting this year," Lavrov said. "Today we stated that our dialogue with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation is gaining momentum, spreading to new areas," he stressed.
In Russia, Lavrov noted, "we highly appreciate that in the current international situation the Islamic world, whose main organization is headed by Mr. Taha, shows independence, firmly adheres to the principle of sovereign equality of states, advocates the development of constructive relations between all countries on the basis of international law, first of all the principles of the UN Charter."
The interlocutors, according to the head of the diplomatic mission, discussed in detail current issues of interaction, the progress of joint work to promote intercultural and interreligious dialogue. "We confirmed our support for the activities of the Group of Strategic Vision "Russia - Islamic World" and the Kazan International Economic Forum," the minister added.
Russia plans to take part in several ministerial meetings with OIC countries, Lavrov said. "A number of events are planned before the end of this year, including meetings of economy ministers, finance ministers, ministers of information technologies. Russia will take part in all these meetings," he said.
Lavrov added that Russia supports the OIC's desire to develop cooperation in science and education. "During this visit, a memorandum between our Ministry of Education and Science and the OIC will be signed. This is also a serious contribution to strengthening the foundation of our trade and economic cooperation for the future," the minister said.
The OIC secretary-general was informed at his own request about the progress of Russia's special military operation in Ukraine, the Russian foreign minister said. "The focus of this operation on solving fundamental problems affecting the rights of the Russian population and the fundamental security interests of the Russian Federation was emphasized," Lavrov said.
On the visit of the OIC secretary-general
The program of the OIC secretary-general's visit, Lavrov said, includes the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Russian Ministry of Science and Higher Education and the OIC. "This symbolizes the further strengthening of ties in the scientific, educational and humanitarian spheres," concluded the head of the Russian diplomatic mission.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: Russian Foreign Ministry
Based on materials from TASS