Greeting of the Secretary-General of Organization of the Islamic Conference Professor Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu to the participants of the second meeting of Group of strategic vision “Russia - Islamic world” that took place in Kazan, on August 29-31 2006.
I am sincerely glad to welcome the participants of the second meeting of Group of strategic vision “Russia – Islamic World”, which takes place in the beautiful historic city of Kazan. I note with satisfaction that after the successful first meeting in Moscow 27-28 March 2006, the group has managed to spend five months preparing to the new meeting. It is also necessary to note that this meeting has a particular importance because it is being held on the backdrop of the recent crisis in the Middle East.
I would like to express my sincere gratitude and appreciation to the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin for his interest and personal attention to initiatives for the rapprochement of the Russian Federation and Islamic world. Also I would like to say words of gratitude to the President of the Republic of Tatarstan Mintimer Shaimiev for the preparation and organization of the meeting in Kazan. Taking this opportunity I have to mention his visit to the OIC headquarters in Jeddah on April 1, 2006, which became the first high-level visit by the Russian Federation after receiving its observer status in the OIC in 2005.
In this regard, I would like to emphasize the important role of Tatarstan and its outstanding President; it is the link between the Russian Federation and the Islamic world. I note with satisfaction that in recent years on the background of the various initiatives of President Shaimiev, this role is becoming more and more important.
We all know that there is a sharp rise in intolerance, extremism and violence in the modern world. Muslims suffer from it the most. We also know that the West’s indifference to the feelings of Islamic world exacerbates the suffering. The Russian Federation, on the contrary, shows sensitivity to the problems of Islamic world and tries to find ways to establish cooperation to create a better future for all. The first meeting of Group of strategic vision “Russia – Islamic World” in March 2006 and the World Summit of Religious Leaders in July 2006 in Moscow, in which Organization of the Islamic Conference took an active part, can be considered as a real confirmation of the sincerity of Russian intentions.
In June 2006 I visited Moscow on an official visit for the first time. It was my first official visit as Secretary General of the Organization of the Islamic Conference after the adoption of Russia the observer status in the OIC. During this historic and memorable visit President Putin met me. During the meeting, we exchanged views on development of relations between the Russian Federation and Islamic world. I also met other officials and religious leaders. During the visit, I was informed about the project of creation an Islamic business and cultural center in Moscow, which will be built in the framework of the further development of Russian – Islamic Cooperation, which is another shining example of the true desire of Russia to make a partnership with Islamic world. In preparation for the Muslim Ummah to face the challenges of the XXI century a “Ten-year Programme of Action” of the OIC was adopted in December 2005 at the III Extraordinary Summit in Mecca in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. An integral part of this program is the growing cooperation in all possible directions between the OIC Member States and observers, such as Russia. It is natural that the Muslims of the Russian Federation will act as a driving force for both sides to a more practical and mutually beneficial cooperation.
As the official representative of Islamic World Organization of the Islamic Conference has always been highly appreciating, and will continue to appreciate the tremendous efforts made by the Russian Federation to support the development of Islamic world. In this regard, I would like to mention that we attach great importance to the statement of the Russian Federation as an observer country at the 33rd Session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers in Baku in Azerbaijan.
OIC considers the Russian Federation as a friend and reliable partner, and hopes that the second meeting of Group of strategic vision “Russia – Islamic World” will allow Russia to play a more active and decisive role in ending the suffering of Muslims in the world, and, above all, the suffering of victims of the current crisis in the Middle East. We hope that the Russian Federation, as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, which has excellent relations with Islamic world and is an observer in the OIC, will be our voice in the United Nations Security Council. We are convinced that this will further strengthen the positive image of Russia in Islamic world and will contribute to strengthening peace, security and prosperity.
I would like to assure you that the General Secretariat of the Organization of the Islamic Conference will continue to provide all possible assistance and support the organizers of this meeting in order to achieve its noble objectives which are reflected in its program and the outcome documents.
I thank everyone who has participated in the organization of this meeting for their wisdom and foresight. I wish all success for this event, which takes place in such a significant time for the Republic of Tatarstan – The Republic Day celebrations.
In conclusion, I wish to convey my sincere congratulations to the President of the Republic of Tatarstan Mintimer Shaimiev, to all people of Tatarstan and wish them happiness and prosperity.