Published on: 2026-05-15
Source: Government of the Russian Federation –
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Within the framework of the XVII International Economic Forum “Russia – Islamic World: KazanForum,” Deputy Prime Minister, Chairman of the Forum Organizing Committee Marat Khusnullin took part in the annual meeting of the strategic vision group “Russia – Islamic World.”
The event was held by the head of the Republic of Tatarstan, the chairman of the Rustam Minnikhanov group. The meeting was attended by the deputy head of the Presidential Administration, Magomedsalam Magomedov, the plenipotentiary representative of the President in the Volga Federal District, Igor Komarov, as well as international colleagues, spiritual leaders.
At the beginning of his speech, Marat Khusnullin read out a greeting from President Vladimir Putin, who noted that the foundation of Russia’s cooperation with Islamic states lies in common values, respect for cultural diversity, and a dialogue aimed at partnership. Symbolically, the forum is held in Tatarstan—a region where traditions of interethnic harmony are preserved, and Kazan, named the cultural capital of the Islamic world, confirms this status with its hospitality.
“We are facing a critical moment – when Russia is coming under pressure from the collective West, and there is another escalation of conflict in the Middle East. Under these conditions, the strategic partnership between Russia and Muslim countries acquires special significance. Strengthening mutual understanding and direct contacts between our countries is one of the tasks of the group with the strategic vision ‘Russia – Islamic World.’ In situations where dialogue becomes scarce, it is called upon to become a platform for coordinating efforts in the search for ways to peace.”Long-term cooperation confirms that the values of our states and peoples indeed largely coincide. He is confident: only through joint efforts, relying on our traditional values, mutual respect, and striving for justice, can we build a prosperous future for our peoples and ensure well-being for future generations,” said Marat Husnullin.
This year, the group is celebrating its 20th anniversary at KazanForum. As noted by the vice-premier, thanks to the group’s activities, economic indicators of interaction between Russia and the countries of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation are growing. According to the results of 2025, the total volume of trade with OIC countries increased by 5.9%, and Russian exports showed growth of 8.3%.
The Head of the Republic of Tatarstan, chairman of the Rustam Minnikhanov group, noted that at the turn of the second millennium, the global system of international relations began to change seriously, and an important trend was the formation of a new multipolar world. These changes contributed to the search for interaction between Russia and the states of the Islamic world.
“Today, relations between Russia and the countries of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation have become more constructive and have acquired an integral and multifaceted character. This has strengthened our dialogue and mutual understanding, expanded the boundaries of joint work. Closeness on key issues of world politics, common moral values – all this is especially relevant for our country as a multinational state that has unique experience in building dialogue with traditional religions.”A vivid example of such coexistence is the Kazan Kremlin, where the Kul Sharif Mosque and the Orthodox Annunciation Cathedral are located nearby. Overall, our group of strategic vision “Russia – Islamic World” always declares its commitment to the principles of equality and justice.Today, under difficult conditions, Russia continues to pursue the line of building a multipolar world, sovereign equality of states, respect and the right to independently choose models of social, political, and economic development, diversity of cultures and reliance on spiritual and moral guidelines,” said Rustam Minnikhanov.
The group for strategic vision “Russia – Islamic World” was created in 2006. It is an international platform for dialogue between Russia and Muslim countries. The group unites government officials, diplomats, experts, religious leaders, as well as representatives of the public.
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