Published on: 2026-04-17
Source: Government of the Russian Federation – Government of the Russian Federation –
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Under the chairmanship of Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin, a meeting of the organizational committee on the preparation and holding of the International Economic Forum “Russia – Islamic World: KazanForum” was held in May of this year.
The meeting was attended by Advisor to the President of Russia Anton Kobyakov, Head of the Republic of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov, representatives of ministries and departments, representatives of federal ministries, departments, and other members of the organizing committee.
“In a complex geopolitical situation, when dialogue becomes scarce, KazanForum remains a stable and critically important platform for open and trusting dialogue. The significance of interaction between the Russian Federation and the countries of the Islamic world is especially increasing against the backdrop of the prolonged crisis situation in the Middle East. Events in the region clearly demonstrate the necessity of strengthening solidarity and seeking fair methods to solve problems. In this context, the forum goes beyond purely economic tasks.”He helps coordinate efforts to form an agenda based on security, mutual respect for sovereignty, and traditional values. It is also important to emphasize that the upcoming KazanForum will take place as part of a landmark event – the granting of Kazan the status of cultural capital of the Islamic world. Interim results of the preparatory campaign show that this year a rich business program, exhibition displays, planned meetings of intergovernmental commissions, and signing of a number of bilateral agreements are expected.More than 60 countries have confirmed their participation in the event as of today. Representatives of Russia’s regions are also showing active interest in participating in the event. I am confident that, thanks to meticulous and professional preparation, the forum, like in previous years, will be held at a high level and bring practical benefits to all participants,” noted Marat Khusnullin.
The President’s advisor, the secretary responsible for the forum’s organizing committee, Anton Kobyakov, noted that in May Kazan will become the business capital of the Islamic world.
The “number of events planned within the framework of the International Economic Forum “Russia – Islamic World: KazanForum” has led to the extension of the event dates. From May 12 to 17, the forum will combine an extensive three-day business program, within which sessions on 21 thematic tracks will be held, as well as exhibition, cultural, and sports-entertainment programs, with events taking place throughout the city. Exhibits are presented by the United Arab Emirates, Sultanate of Oman, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Iran, Kyrgyz Republic, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.In addition to the main business program of the forum at the Kazan Expo International Exhibition Center, there will be the International Exhibition of Cooperation between Russia and the Islamic World, the All-Russian Competition of Managers “Leaders of the Construction Industry”, the International Property Market 2026 exhibition, the International Tournament of Young Chefs from Islamic countries, the 16th All-Russian Forum of Tatar Religious Figures “National Identity and Religion”, as well as the Festival of Eastern Cultures.Special attention will be paid to the international and diplomatic component – events are planned along the lines of intergovernmental commissions on trade, economic, and scientific-technical cooperation between the Russian Federation and foreign countries. Moreover, this year Kazan is participating for the first time as the cultural capital of the Islamic world – this is recognition of the city’s role in strengthening international dialogue and preserving spiritual heritage,” emphasized Anton Kobyakov, Advisor to the President of the Russian Federation, Deputy Chairman, and Executive Secretary of the Forum Organizing Committee.
According to the head of the Republic of Tatarstan, deputy chairman of the KazanForum organizing committee Rustam Minnikhanov, more than 60 states and 20 heads of Russian regions have so far confirmed their participation in the forum. Within the framework of the business program, more than 120 events are planned on such relevant topics as Islamic finance and investments, the halal industry, culture, sports, and the female perspective.
“During the days of the forum, the annual meeting of the strategic vision group ‘Russia – Islamic World’ on the topic ‘Common values as the basis of cooperation and mutual understanding between Russia and the Islamic world’ will take place. In addition, the upcoming KazanForum will be held as part of a landmark event – granting Kazan the status of cultural capital of the Islamic world. In this regard, a number of important and interesting events have been integrated into the program, including the Congress of Ministers of Culture of OIC countries, a cultural festival, round tables, and exhibitions organized by the Academy of Sciences of Tatarstan.”Work is underway to organize the General Assembly of ISESCO, the congress of national banks of OIC countries, the international real estate exhibition, the festival of modest fashion, meetings of extraordinary and plenipotentiary ambassadors of foreign states in Russia, and many other events. Our forum should become a model of reliability and hospitality in the face of modern challenges. It is believed that with joint efforts, the upcoming event will be organized at a high and worthy level,” said Rustam Minnikhanov.
The International Economic Forum “Russia – Islamic World: KazanForum” has been held annually in Kazan since 2009. In 2026, KazanForum will be held for the fourth time as a federal-level event. The key objective of the event is the development of economic, trade, social, and cultural relations between Russia and Islamic states.
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