The third annual meeting of the Russia - Islamic World strategic vision group that took place on May 16-18 in the Chechen Republic was attended by 34 foreign delegates and 23 Russian representatives.
Russian President Vladimir Putin sent the conference a welcoming address read out by his special envoy for the Middle East and Africa Mikhail Bogdanov.
"The events in recent years clearly reveal a crisis of the current system of international relations calling for constructive dialogue and effective cooperation. The Russia – Islamic World strategic vision group is one of the platforms for such collaboration," says the address.
Tatarstan President, Chairman of the Russia – Islamic World group Rustam Minnikhanov said that it is Muslims that suffer most from terrorists so it should be Muslims who have to propose initiatives on how to curb this evil.
"TERRORISM AND RADICALISM IS A THREAT NOT JUST TO MUSLIM STATES BUT FOR THE ENTIRE MANKIND. WE ARE READY TO SHARE OUR EXPERIENCE BECAUSE WE ARE CERTAIN THAT ONLY CONCERTED EFFORTS CAN HELP OVERCOME IT. AS RUSSIAN PRESIDENT VLADIMIR PUTIN SAID, WE WILL CONTINUE TO MOVE CLOSER TOWARDS MUSLIM STATES SINCE WE FEEL OURSELVES PART OF THE ISLAMIC WORLD".
Chechen President Ramzan Kadyrov said that Russia is Islam's loyal ally and defender.
"RUSSIA IS THE ONLY COUNTRY THAT TAKES EFFECTIVE STEPS TO FIGHT TERRORISM ORGANIZATIONS. IT REQUIRED CONCERTED EFFORTS OF THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY. I AM CERTAIN THAT THE SESSION OF THE RUSSIA – ISLAMIC WORLD GROUP WILL MAKE A VALUABLE CONTRIBUTION TO ACHIEVING THIS GOAL."
Head of Dagestan Ramazan Abdulatipov praised the choice of Grozny as venue for the forum since this city that was damaged by terrorists was able to become one of the most beautiful places in the country.
First Deputy Speaker of the Iraqi Parliament Sheikh Dr. Humam Hamoudi said that "we saw a city of stability, prosperity and decent living standards".
Ebtisam Al Ketbi, head of Emirates Policy Centre in the UAE, praised cooperation between Russia and the UAE in the fight against extremism groups.
"Our ties with Russia have strengthened. Moscow and Abu Dhabi share the same sense of urgency as regards the fight against terrorism and the need to take effective action to ease tension in hot spots. In this regard, Russia has been pursuing a policy to mitigate the threat of terrorism and extremism relying on UN and UN Security Council resolutions," she said.
Yasar Yakis, a Turkish MP, highlighted Russia's role in resolving conflicts in Muslim countries.
"The Islamic world and Syria in particular are going through a major crisis. Syria has never seen a crisis like this in its history. It is Russia that plays a key role in working towards a political settlement of the Syria crisis… Russia's actions are practical and positive. This is a path that will most likely be successful," said the Turkish MP.
The Russia – Islamic World group made public a press statement calling for better trade, economic, and investment. The fact that Russia is part of the Islamic world elevates our cooperation to a strategic level.
All the delegates have expressed their gratitude to the Russian hosts, including personally to the Chairman of the Russia – Islamic World strategic vision group, Tatastan President Rustam Minnikhanov, and Head of the Chechen Republic Ramzan Kadyrov for their hospitality and effective organization of the forum.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"