Strategic Vision Group "Russia – Islamic World" Holds Meeting at KazanForum
Strategic Vision Group "Russia – Islamic World" Holds Meeting at KazanForum
16 May
The annual meeting of the Strategic Vision Group "Russia – Islamic World" has taken place in Kazan, with the Bashir Rameev IT-park serving as the venue. "Shared Values as a Foundation for Co-operation and Mutual Understanding Between Russia and the Islamic World" became the main topic.
A message of greeting was sent to the participants by Russian President Vladimir Putin; the text was read out by Marat Khusnullin, Deputy Prime Minister
In his address, the Head of State placed particular emphasis on the role of Islam in Russian society: "Islam is one of the world religions widely practised in Russia; it is professed by millions of our citizens, who make an important contribution to the development of the national economy, science, culture and social sphere. We seek to deepen friendly relations with all Islamic states."
Rustam Minnikhanov, Rais of Tatarstan and Chairman of the Strategic Vision Group "Russia – Islamic World" stressed that, over the years since the Group was founded, Russia's relations with the member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation have grown more constructive and multidimensional. He also pointed out that 2026 marks the Group's 20th anniversary, and that a pivotal role in launching the dialogue between Russia and the Islamic world was played by Evgeny Primakov and Mintimer Shaimiev.
Igor Komarov, Plenipotentiary Representative of the President of Russia in the Volga Federal District, observed that Russia has historically been a model of unity in diversity and interfaith harmony. He told that shared values have become the bedrock both for the internal consolidation of society and for international dialogue with the Islamic world.
Figures were also presented showing that, by the end of 2025, Russia's trade turnover with OIC countries had grown by 5.9%, with Russian exports rising by 8.3%.
Beyond the main programme, participants were able to attend a series of preliminary events. A discussion on interfaith engagement, "Religion and Culture: Civilisational Dialogue", was hosted by the Kazan Orthodox Theological Seminary. A round table on scientific, technological and economic co-operation, with a particular focus on digital solutions and innovations, took place at the Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Tatarstan. Also held as part of the Forum was a session entitled "Greater Eurasian Partnership: Development Strategy", where participants examined ways for international blocs to work together and to build sustainable co-operation models.
A vibrant addition to the programme was the Media Forum, run jointly by the Strategic Vision Group "Russia – Islamic World", Tatmedia, and the Union of News Agencies of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (UNA). The Forum brought together media professionals and made it possible to identify new avenues for developing cross-border media ties.
Following the meeting, participants began formulating a set of proposals aimed at advancing co-operation and reinforcing the partnership between Russia and the countries of the Islamic world.
A message of greeting was sent to the participants by Russian President Vladimir Putin; the text was read out by Marat Khusnullin, Deputy Prime Minister
In his address, the Head of State placed particular emphasis on the role of Islam in Russian society: "Islam is one of the world religions widely practised in Russia; it is professed by millions of our citizens, who make an important contribution to the development of the national economy, science, culture and social sphere. We seek to deepen friendly relations with all Islamic states."
Rustam Minnikhanov, Rais of Tatarstan and Chairman of the Strategic Vision Group "Russia – Islamic World" stressed that, over the years since the Group was founded, Russia's relations with the member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation have grown more constructive and multidimensional. He also pointed out that 2026 marks the Group's 20th anniversary, and that a pivotal role in launching the dialogue between Russia and the Islamic world was played by Evgeny Primakov and Mintimer Shaimiev.
Igor Komarov, Plenipotentiary Representative of the President of Russia in the Volga Federal District, observed that Russia has historically been a model of unity in diversity and interfaith harmony. He told that shared values have become the bedrock both for the internal consolidation of society and for international dialogue with the Islamic world.
Figures were also presented showing that, by the end of 2025, Russia's trade turnover with OIC countries had grown by 5.9%, with Russian exports rising by 8.3%.
Beyond the main programme, participants were able to attend a series of preliminary events. A discussion on interfaith engagement, "Religion and Culture: Civilisational Dialogue", was hosted by the Kazan Orthodox Theological Seminary. A round table on scientific, technological and economic co-operation, with a particular focus on digital solutions and innovations, took place at the Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Tatarstan. Also held as part of the Forum was a session entitled "Greater Eurasian Partnership: Development Strategy", where participants examined ways for international blocs to work together and to build sustainable co-operation models.
A vibrant addition to the programme was the Media Forum, run jointly by the Strategic Vision Group "Russia – Islamic World", Tatmedia, and the Union of News Agencies of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (UNA). The Forum brought together media professionals and made it possible to identify new avenues for developing cross-border media ties.
Following the meeting, participants began formulating a set of proposals aimed at advancing co-operation and reinforcing the partnership between Russia and the countries of the Islamic world.
