In his address, Vladimir Putin underlined that 'better ties with Muslim countries have become a genuine factor of international stability, a condition to resolving global issues that all of our nations and states are facing'.
I am pleased to be sending heartfelt greetings to the participants of the meeting of the Russia – Islamic World strategic vision group.
Your conference convenes amid a rising number of threats and growing instability across the world. The recent escalation of tension in many hot spots is a clear indication that relations between ethnic and religious groups can have a significant impact on the political climate in entire regions as well as individual states.
An outburst of extremism represents a challenge of planetary scale and the only alternative here is dialogue and partnership of nations and civilizations.
In this regard, Russia’s centuries-old experience in the fusion of cultures as a result of convergence of many nations on one territory could prove critical to consolidating efforts in identifying solutions to global challenges, undoubtedly a noble idea.
The previous meeting took place in Kazan, and you saw for yourself the amazing results of robust and harmonious relations between people of different ethnic and religious background. This year you have convened in the Chechen Republic, a region that has first-hand experience of what terrorism is and has provided an object lesson on how to defeat this ugly phenomenon.
Your agenda will focus on unlocking economic cooperation between Russia and Muslim countries. However, an effective implementation of economic projects is only possible in an environment of lasting peace and constructive relations. Geographic and cultural proximity, shared historical values represent a sustainable platform for such collaboration.
I would like to reiterate that Russia has always been ready for full-fledged dialogue with the Islamic world, including economically.
Better ties with Muslim countries have become a genuine factor of international stability, a condition to resolving global issues that all of our nations and states are facing.
I am convinced that your meeting will further contribute to a stronger mutual trust and deeper cooperation between our countries and people.
Wishing you productive deliberations and all the best,
Russian President Vladimir Putin
The address was red at the annual meeting of the Russia – Islamic World group by Mikhail Bogdanov, the President's Special Envoy for the Middle East and Africa
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"