About "Russia - Islamic world: KazanForum"

Valentina Matvienko Speaker of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation

On behalf of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, and on my own behalf, I am pleased to extend a warm welcome to the participants and organizers of the International Economic Forum “Russia – Islamic World: KazanForum”.

The Forum serves as a leading international platform for constructive dialogue aimed at advancing economic, trade, and socio-cultural ties between the Russian Federation and the countries of the Islamic world. It provides an important space for discussing joint projects in such key areas as energy, industry, agriculture, information technology, transport, and tourism, as well as for developing proposals to deepen cooperation based on the principles of trust, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to progress.

Given the relevance of the issues on the agenda, the growing international interest in the Forum, and its expanding geographic reach, the event will continue to contribute to strengthening cooperation and to shaping practical, in-demand solutions in the field of international collaboration.

I wish you all productive work, engaging discussions, and new achievements

Marat Khusnullin Deputy Chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation

Esteemed colleagues and dear friends,

It is a great pleasure to welcome you to Kazan on behalf of the Organizing Committee and in my personal capacity for the International Economic Forum “Russia – Islamic World: KazanForum.”
Kazan continues to affirm its role as a vibrant center of international economic engagement.

Over the years, the Forum has become not merely a venue for discussion, but a dynamic platform for practical cooperation, yielding concrete projects and fostering ever-stronger partnerships.

Our shared achievements are built on mutual trust. It is this trust that allows us to translate dialogue into real progress — expanding trade, developing independent financial systems, enhancing transport and logistics connectivity, and implementing large-scale projects across key sectors.

I would like to particularly highlight the role of the construction sector and the real estate market as one of the key drivers of our cooperation. Development projects underway in Russia and across the Islamic world — ranging from residential districts to industrial parks and modern public spaces — are becoming powerful examples of sustainable and technology-driven growth. Interest in joint construction initiatives, real estate investment, and the exchange of expertise continues to grow year by year.

In this context, a particularly important component of KazanForum is the annual international real estate exhibition International Property Market, which brings together leading developers, investors, architects, and representatives of public authorities. This dynamic platform fosters new partnerships, facilitates discussions on emerging trends, and helps launch projects that shape the cities of the future.

Today, our cooperation goes far beyond a series of successful transactions. It has evolved into a comprehensive strategic partnership grounded in shared values and a common aspiration for a just, sustainable, and multipolar world — one in which traditions, sovereignty, and each nation’s right to pursue its own path of development are respected.

I am confident that this year’s Forum will open new horizons, serve as a launching point for promising initiatives, and further strengthen the bonds of friendship and mutual respect between our countries and peoples.

I wish all participants productive work, constructive dialogue, and promising opportunities.

Sergey Lavrov Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation

I extend my warmest greetings to the organizers, participants, and guests of the 17th International Economic Forum “Russia – Islamic World: KazanForum.”

It is especially gratifying that the hospitable city of Kazan once again serves as a meeting place for a meaningful dialogue among cultures, religions, and civilizations. Russia and the countries of the Islamic world are united by longstanding ties of friendship and goodwill. We share a strong mutual interest in advancing comprehensive cooperation, as well as a common commitment to shaping a multipolar world order grounded in the universally recognized principles of international law and the values of equality, mutual respect, and the diversity of development paths. An important contribution to this joint endeavor is made by the Strategic Vision Group “Russia – Islamic World.”

I am confident that the Forum will further strengthen business engagement between Russia and the Islamic world, promote the expansion of trade and economic relations, support the implementation of joint investment projects, enhance the development of transport and logistics routes, and encourage the formation of forward-looking technological partnerships.

I wish all participants fruitful deliberations, productive cooperation, and every success.

Olga Lyubimova Minister of Culture of the Russian Federation

On behalf of the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation, I am pleased to welcome the participants and guests of the 17th International Economic Forum “Russia – Islamic World: KazanForum” — one of the key events bringing together representatives of the Russian Federation and the countries of the Islamic world.

This year, we are greeting Kazan for the first time in its new status as the Cultural Capital of the Islamic World. This is not only a great honour, but also a recognition of the city’s unique role in strengthening international dialogue and preserving spiritual heritage. Kazan is not merely a bridge between East and West; it is a symbol of the harmonious coexistence of Islamic and Orthodox traditions.

Of particular importance to us is the convening of the Conference of Ministers of Culture of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. The Conference has already established itself as an authoritative platform for discussing pressing issues of cultural development, exchanging experience, and exploring new formats of cooperation. Here, the role of culture becomes especially evident: it contributes not only to the advancement of humanitarian interaction, but also to innovation across all sectors, serving as a solid foundation for long-term success in science, technology, education, and business. In an era marked by the emergence of a multipolar and more just world order, cultural cooperation acts as a universal key to bringing peoples closer together and seeking joint responses to the most complex challenges of our time. Drawing on respect for shared spiritual and moral values, we are collectively building the foundation of a lasting partnership.

Thanks to the rich programme of events dedicated to Kazan’s honorary status, the coming year will serve as a vivid testament to the richness of the cultures and traditions that unite us in our pursuit of peace and mutual understanding. May it become a catalyst for new economic initiatives, the expansion of contacts, and the strengthening of mutual trust.

Maxim Reshetnikov Minister of Economic Development of the Russian Federation

Dear colleagues, participants, and guests of the forum!

It is my great pleasure to extend a warm welcome to you at the International Economic Forum “Russia–Islamic World: KazanForum,” which, over the years, has become one of the foremost platforms for fostering business cooperation, exchanging best practices, and shaping sustainable economic solutions.

Today, as the global economy undergoes accelerated structural change, it is especially important to strengthen partnerships built on trust, mutual benefit, and respect for cultural diversity. The countries of the Islamic world are playing an increasingly significant role in international trade and investment, and our cooperation continues to grow steadily even amid global turbulence. Today, the member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation account for nearly one third of Russia’s foreign trade.

The Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation attaches great importance to expanding Russia’s engagement with the member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. We are steadily developing mechanisms for trade and economic cooperation and facilitating the launch of joint projects in industry, infrastructure, tourism, high-technology sectors, and services. Our country is one of the key suppliers of food and agricultural products to the markets of OIC countries.

Particular attention is devoted to the development of Islamic finance and to creating conditions for its integration into the Russian economy. This instrument opens up additional opportunities for businesses and regions, promotes the inflow of investment, and helps to shape a new architecture of trust in our relations.

KazanForum has established itself as a platform where ideas are swiftly translated into practical initiatives. It is here that solutions are shaped, enabling regions, companies, and entrepreneurs to identify new growth drivers, enter promising markets, and expand cooperation.

I am confident that the work of this year’s forum will make a meaningful contribution to further strengthening Russia’s partnership with the countries of the Islamic world, and that its outcomes will provide a solid foundation for launching new projects aimed at the sustainable development of our economies.

I wish all participants productive discussions, fruitful work, and new opportunities for cooperation!

Elvira Nabiullina Governor of the Bank of Russia

Distinguished colleagues and dear friends,

It is a pleasure to welcome the participants of the International Economic Forum “Russia–Islamic World: KazanForum.”

KazanForum serves as a unique platform that unites representatives from government, business, and the expert community, fostering meaningful dialogue on a broad spectrum of issues—from investment and trade cooperation to advances in technology, education, and humanitarian engagement.

Russia is steadily expanding its economic ties with the countries participating in KazanForum. I am convinced that engagement with these countries can open new opportunities for implementing large-scale projects, strengthening business connections, and fostering long-term cooperation.

One important area of such collaboration is the development of partnership financing. Since September 2023, Russia has been conducting an experiment in partnership financing, and professional dialogue with international colleagues helps us draw on accumulated experience and create favorable conditions for the further development of this approach in our country.

I am confident that the meetings and discussions at KazanForum will contribute to the formulation of practical solutions and the emergence of new joint initiatives.

I wish all participants of KazanForum productive work and meaningful discussions!

Rustam Minnikhanov Head (Rais) of the Republic of Tatarstan

Dear Participants and Guests of the 17th International Economic Forum “Russia–Islamic World: KazanForum”!

The forum has now been held for 17 years and, over this time, has become a shining example of how relations between states and peoples can—and indeed should—be cultivated: with respect, on the basis of equality, and founded on trust and mutual recognition.

We express our gratitude to the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, for granting the Forum federal status and designating it as the primary platform for Russia’s engagement with Islamic countries.

We note the growing interest of both domestic and international colleagues in the Forum, which is intended to serve as a venue for meaningful dialogue and collaboration between nations.

The Strategic Vision Group “Russia–Islamic World” actively works to promote constructive initiatives, strengthen peace and security, and foster friendship, cooperation, and economic and cultural ties.

In today’s world, the Group’s role has grown particularly important, serving as a cornerstone in the relationship between Russia and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. Its work spans many areas and helps to expand investment ties. Today, this cooperation has matured into a strategic partnership and continues to develop dynamically, thanks in large part to the Group’s efforts.

KazanForum brings together representatives from government, business, academia, and civil society. The Forum provides a valuable platform to discuss pressing issues in international partnership, exchange experiences, explore new investment opportunities, and foster innovative forms of collaboration.

I am confident that the Forum will open new avenues for further cooperation. I wish all participants fruitful partnerships, successful projects, and productive work on the hospitable land of Tatarstan.

Igor Levitin Assistant to the President of the Russian Federation

Russia has always pursued the goal of building a mutually beneficial, honest partnership with the Islamic world based on respect and protection of traditional values, peculiarities of national culture and identity. It was this approach that made it possible to form trusting, open relations and maintain an effective dialogue for joint implementation of global, strategic projects, consistent increase in mutual investments and trade turnover.

H.E. Hussein Brahim Taha Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

Distinguished participants,

السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته

I would like to extend my gratitude to His Excellency President Rustam Minnikhanov, Rais of the Republic of Tatarstan, Chairman of the Group of Strategic Vision "Russia-Islamic World," for his kind invitation to this important annual meeting in the tolerant and hospitable city of Kazan. I commend his active leadership of this Group and his personal commitment to enhancing the relations of friendship and cooperation between Russia and the Islamic world.

I would also like to express my highest consideration to His Excellency President Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation; and to the Russian Government for the special emphasis they place on strengthening ties of friendship and cooperation with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. It is a matter of satisfaction for the Organization of Islamic Cooperation that dialogue and cooperation between the two sides have increased significantly since Russia obtained observer status at the OIC in 2005.

I wish to express my gratitude to His Excellency Dato’ Seri Anwar bin Ibrahim, Prime Minister of Malaysia, for honoring with his presence this meeting, which testifies to the high importance he accords the relations between the Islamic world and Russia and the role played by the Group of Strategic Vision “Russia-Islamic World” in strengthening these relations.

The Group of Strategic Vision “Russia-Islamic World” has become a leading platform to strengthen friendship, dialogue and mutual understanding between Russia and the Islamic world. The OIC is keen on strengthening its contribution to the realization of the Group’s objective to serve common interests and contribute to the achievement of a world order based on the principles of sovereign equality of States, non-interference in their internal affairs, and respect for their sovereignty and territorial integrity. The OIC seeks a more balanced world order that would ensure international peace and security, justice, equal opportunities for the development of all States, and the preservation of their cultural, civilizational and religious values.

The OIC has paid growing importance to the issue of youth and welcomes the focus on this issue on the agenda of this year’s meeting of the Group of Strategic Vision “Russia-Islamic World.” The OIC General Secretariat supports the efforts and initiatives of the Republic of Tatarstan to promote cooperation in the field of youth empowerment and sports development. It is grateful to the organizers of the Kazan Global Youth Summit, which provides an important opportunity to discuss ways and means to cooperate to address the challenges facing young people.

Cooperation in youth policy may include sharing best practices in youth engagement and development, developing joint youth programs that foster intercultural dialogue and mutual understanding, providing youth with opportunities for sound education, promoting their involvement in science, technology, innovation and entrepreneurship, supporting initiatives that prioritize sports and healthy living, student exchanges, and preventing youth radicalization by addressing its root causes. Poverty, underdevelopment and economic exclusion are core contributors to violent extremism and young people from disadvantaged backgrounds are the biggest victims of this phenomenon. In this regard, I would like to mention the adoption by the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers, at its 50th Session, last August in Yaoundé, Cameroun, of the Statute of the OIC Youth Support Fund in the Sahel and Lake Chad Region, as a specialized institution to be an arm for the Organization’s strategies and efforts to combat extremism and terrorism.

Yousef bin Ahmad Al-Othaimeen Ex-Secretary General of Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) (2016-2020)

KazanForum has always showcased the innovative and contemporary ideas in the area of Islamic Finance and Banking services, harmonization of Halal Food standards and certificates along with the youth and women empowerment in the social sector. It is my sincere hope that these new engagements with the Republic of Tatarstan and the entire Russian Federation will create a new vista in our very fruitful relations for the benefit of our peoples.

Recep Tayyip Erdogan The President of the Republic of Türkiye

I am confident that the Forum will contribute to the development of humanitarian, economic and cultural relations between our Muslim brothers in Russia and the Islamic world. In addition, it is especially important that the holding of the KazanForum in 2022 coincided with the celebration of 1100th anniversary of the adoption of Islam. I would like to say that we consider our Muslim brothers in Russia and the Republic of Tatarstan as a dominant component in strengthening the development of our relations with the Russian Federation. In whatever part of the world we live, our hearts, beliefs, qibla, azan and holy books are one. As the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) commanded, we should all unite like bricks building a wall, further strengthening solidarity and our spiritual bridges. Realizing this, we must never allow the distance between us to overshadow our brotherhood, which has existed since time immemorial. I believe that in the context of regional and global problems, it is very valuable to discuss the topics of Islamic finance, general banking, the halal industry, export development, entrepreneurship and investment issues within the framework of the Forum.

Almambet Shykmamatov Minister of Investments of the Kyrgyz Republic

It is no coincidence that it is Russia, as a vivid and unique example of a multinational and multi-confessional state, that initiates and seeks various points of contact and interaction between the Islamic world and Western civilization. One of the significant permanent events in this direction is the Kazan Economic Forum, which has been taking place in the hospitable capital of Tatarstan since 2009.

Datuk Azman Mohd Yusof Secretary General of the Ministry of the National Unity of Malaysia

On behalf of the Malaysia officials who attended the KazanForum, I would like to express my highest appreciation to the organizer for giving the Malaysian delegates to participate in the program.
As a panel speaker, I experienced various opportunities to further cooperate and collaborate with various international groups that could benefit the future economic enhancement among participating countries.
The forum also could be considered as a main platform to become a consultative tool that exposed the advantage of the Halal Industry that would penetrate the importance of the Russian economy and the global needs.
In addition, participants should also take advantage to explore the beauty of the culture by taking chances to have an excursion activity to learn about Russia and her surroundings.
In sum, the KazanForum is an opening gate to see lots of opportunities related to social economic collaborations.

H.E. Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad Former Prime Minister of Malaysia

Tatarstan shows high investment opportunities due to political stability and respect for the equal rights of all ethnic groups.

H.E. Dr. Ahmad Mohamed Ali Ex-President of the Islamic Development Bank

Thanks to the KazanForum, new relations develop between businessmen of Tatarstan and our countries.