The message of the President of the Russian Federation V.V. Putin 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 greet the participants of the second meeting of Group of strategic vision “Russia – Islamic world.”
For centuries, Russia, which is home to millions of people that identify themselves as followers of Islamic traditions, is intertwined with the Islamic world by multifaceted ties. Today, our country’s cooperation with Muslim countries is developing dynamically, covering economic, humanitarian and cultural spheres. Such a partnership based on respect and openness is working in the interests of global stability and security, it is an example of a civilized dialogue.
I am convinced that your meeting will open new opportunities for establishing fruitful contacts of public, business, religious groups and, of course, will contribute to strengthening our common position against extremism, interethnic and inter-ethnic strife.
I take this opportunity to congratulate the multinational people of Tatarstan, in the capital of which today’s forum is being held. Happy Republic Day.
V. Putin