The Islamic world has always supported and continues to support Russia, and we highly appreciate it, stated Rustam Minnikhanov, the Rais of Tatarstan and Chairman of the Group of Strategic Vision "Russia-Islamic World" , at the plenary session of the XV International Economic Forum "Russia - Islamic World: KazanForum 2024." The session focused on "Financial and Logistics Infrastructure of Russia and the OIC Countries."
Minnikhanov recalled that Tatarstan has been actively collaborating with the Islamic world since 2003. This initiative began when Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed in Malaysia that Russia become an observer in the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. Next year marks the 20th anniversary of this decision, which was made in 2005.
"Since then, the Group of Strategic Vision "Russia-Islamic World" has been working with Muslim countries. This initiative has always been supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Russian Presidential Administration. We established Tatarstan as a good platform and began inviting our partners here. Two years ago, President Vladimir Putin decided to elevate this from a regional event to a federal one. Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin was appointed Chairman of the KazanForum Organizing Committee, and we are now organizing these events on a new level. The work of the Group integrates well into these activities," Minnikhanov noted.
He highlighted key areas of cooperation, including Islamic banking, the halal lifestyle, the development of transportation corridors, and the expansion of tourist contacts, all under the auspices and support of the Russian leadership, the president, and the government. "Therefore, to say that KazanForum is a Tatarstan event is not quite right. The Islamic world has always supported and continues to support Russia, and we highly appreciate it. Every year, the scale of the forum expands, and we do our best to make it interesting for our partners," emphasized Minnikhanov.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"