Rais of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov, met with His Royal Highness Prince Turki Al-Faisal, Chairman of the King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies, at the Kazan Kremlin during the Prince's official visit to the Russian Federation.
Following a personal meeting in the Rais' office, during which Prince Turki Al-Faisal signed the Book of Honorary Guests of the Kazan Kremlin, an extended meeting was held.
Rais Minnikhanov expressed his gratitude for the Prince's visit, highlighting its significance in the current complex international climate. "Saudi Arabia is a crucial partner for Russia," - he stated. - "Our countries are fostering collaboration across various sectors, with regular meetings and communication between our leaders. We enjoy robust and positive relations in political interaction, economics, and humanitarian spheres."
He attributed this positive relationship to the wise leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, His Majesty King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia, conveying his deepest gratitude and best wishes to the King through Prince Turki Al-Faisal.
Rais Minnikhanov underscored the shared stance of Moscow and Riyadh on numerous international and regional matters, emphasizing their commitment to conflict resolution and addressing common threats. He recalled the historical ties between the two nations: "The year 2026 will mark the 100th anniversary of our diplomatic relations. The USSR was the first country to recognize an independent Saudi state, with the honor falling to our compatriot, a Tatar, Russian Consul in Hijaz, Karim Abdraufovich Khakimov, who presented the founding King Abdulaziz with the official note of recognition."
Recalling his own regular visits to Saudi Arabia, including a trip to Jeddah last year, Rais Minnikhanov expressed his appreciation for the insightful meeting of the Group of Strategic Vision "Russia - Islamic World" held in Jeddah in 2021. He reminded that he heads this Group, entrusted by Russian President Vladimir Putin, and highlighted its role as a platform for consultations between influential socio-political figures, business leaders, academics, and clergy from Russia and the Islamic world.
"We are closely observing and learning from your projects," - Rustam Minnikhanov acknowledged, referring to the ambitious initiatives undertaken by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. - "The development of Neom, a new smart city envisioned as a model for the 'ideal city of the future,' is of particular interest."
Minnikhanov provided a brief overview of Tatarstan, highlighting its position as a leading industrial center and oil-producing and refining region within Russia. He emphasized the region's focus on petrochemicals, automobile manufacturing, aerospace technology, shipbuilding, and machine-building, noting that approximately 50% of Tatarstan's industrial output is exported.
He also drew attention to the significant Muslim population in Russia, estimated at around 20 million, and Tatarstan's commitment to developing the halal industry. This includes halal food production, halal tourism, and halal medicine. Rustam Minnikhanov stressed the importance of educational initiatives to promote these sectors both within Tatarstan and across Russia.
Rustam Minnikhanov went on to highlight the annual International Economic Forum "Russia - Islamic World: KazanForum," hosted in Kazan. As the country's premier platform for strengthening ties between Russia and the Muslim world, KazanForum was granted federal status last year by decision of Russian President Vladimir Putin. He emphasized that partners from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are always welcome at the forum.
"Our nations are bound by deep spiritual and religious kinship," - Minnikhanov stated. - "Tatarstan stands as the 'northernmost part of the Muslim world,' and Tatars represent the second-largest ethnicity in Russia." He recalled the strong ties fostered by Tatarstan's first President, Mintimer Sharipovich Shaimiev, who made numerous visits to Saudi Arabia and was honored with the prestigious King Faisal International Prize in 2007.
Addressing Prince Turki Al-Faisal directly, the Rais of Tatarstan acknowledged the vital role of Islamic cooperation: "Your Royal Highness, your leadership of the King Faisal Center for Islamic Studies is deeply respected. We are immensely grateful for the attention shown to Tatarstan delegations and pilgrims undertaking the Hajj." He pointed out that Tatarstan is home to over 1,500 mosques, underscoring the republic's commitment to religious freedom and harmonious coexistence among its diverse population. "Tatarstan embraces representatives of all faiths," - he affirmed. - "Inter-ethnic peace and inter-religious harmony are the cornerstones of our development."
In closing, Rustam Minnikhanov expressed his gratitude for Prince Turki Al-Faisal’s visit and reaffirmed Tatarstan's commitment to strengthening mutually beneficial cooperation with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
His Royal Highness Prince Turki Al-Faisal expressed his pleasure at visiting Kazan with his family and a delegation from the King Faisal Center for Islamic Studies. He extended his thanks for the warm reception received in Tatarstan. "We are captivated by the beauty of this city and the warmth of its people," - he remarked. - "We are truly welcomed as dear friends. The longstanding relationship between Russia and Saudi Arabia, dating back many years, is invaluable. The fact that the USSR was the first nation to recognize our country in the 1920s is well-known and fondly remembered in Saudi Arabia."
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: official website of the Rais RT
Based on materials from the Press Service of the Rais RT