The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) highly values the role of the Group of Strategic Vision (GSV) “Russia – Islamic World” and is interested in expanding its cooperation with it. This was stated by Mohamed Salah Tekaya, Director of Political Affairs at the OIC, during a speech at the off-site meeting of the Group in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, chaired by Rustam Minnikhanov, Rais of Tatarstan. The theme of this year’s meeting is “Russia and the Islamic World: Cooperation in the Era of Emerging Multipolarity.”
Tekaya reminded the participants that next year marks the 20th anniversary of the Russian Federation’s observer status in the OIC. Over this period, bilateral relations have continuously developed, characterized by regular high-level visits and meetings aimed at strengthening cooperation and exchanging views on issues of mutual interest. The OIC is pleased to note that today's meeting follows a new round of high-level political consultations last week in Moscow between the OIC General Secretariat and the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The OIC highly values the GSV “Russia – Islamic World” and is keen to expand its interaction with it. The Organization is open to initiatives aimed at strengthening dialogue and cooperation in the interest of our countries, fostering better mutual understanding, and advancing a global order based on the principles of sovereign equality of states, non-interference in internal affairs, and respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The OIC General Secretariat looks forward to strengthening cooperation between the Islamic world and Russia in all areas of mutual benefit. We emphasize the importance of regular political dialogue, closer cultural and sports ties, exchanges of visits and youth contacts, as well as expanding cooperation in the fields of science, technology, innovation, research and education, energy, agriculture and food security, the environment, and promoting joint investment opportunities.
The OIC strives for a more balanced world order that ensures international peace and security, justice, and equal development opportunities for all nations while preserving their cultural, civilizational, and religious values. In line with the principles enshrined in the UN Charter, the OIC underscores the central role of the United Nations in maintaining international peace and security, upholding the rule of international law, and promoting sustainable development and inclusive multilateralism. In this context, the OIC reaffirms the importance of reforming the United Nations, including expanding the membership of the Security Council.
Today's meeting takes place against the backdrop of acute global challenges in politics, security, the economy, social issues, and the environment. The OIC, representing the collective voice of the Islamic world, seeks to enable its member states to enhance their resilience in the face of these challenges while preserving their sovereignty and independence.
Given the ongoing and escalating challenges and tragic situations in the occupied Palestinian territories, particularly in the Gaza Strip, and in Lebanon due to crimes of aggression, blockades, settlement construction, destruction, and displacement caused by Israeli occupations, which constitute a blatant violation of international law and UN resolutions, the OIC calls for intensified efforts to mobilize the international community to take more decisive action. Specifically, the UN Security Council must work to put an end to these crimes and prevent the further expansion of the war and destabilization of the region caused by the Israeli occupation. The international community is called upon to enable the Palestinian people to exercise their inalienable rights, including the right to return, self-determination, and the establishment of an independent state within the borders as of June 4, 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital, based on relevant UN resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative.
The international community has made significant progress in the fight against international terrorism and violent extremism leading to terrorism, but further efforts are needed to address their root causes. We also believe that the “Russia – Islamic World” Strategic Vision Group has an important role to play in this area, as well as in international efforts to combat all forms of racism, racial discrimination, religious discrimination, Islamophobia, xenophobia, and intolerance.
Last October, the XVI BRICS Summit was held in Kazan, the capital of the Republic of Tatarstan. I would like to congratulate the Russian Federation and the Republic of Tatarstan on the successful hosting of the Summit. We welcome the commitment of the BRICS countries to advancing a just and inclusive system of international relations based on a fair international order and the equality of all nations, and we are pleased to note that several OIC member states will join BRICS as new members, while others will become partner countries. We are confident that their participation will give a new impetus to the role of BRICS, concluded Mohamed Tekaya in his speech.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"