Meeting of the International Economic Forum “Russia – Islamic World: KazanForum” Organising Committee Chaired by Marat Khusnullin
Meeting of the International Economic Forum “Russia – Islamic World: KazanForum” Organising Committee Chaired by Marat Khusnullin
17 April
A Meeting of the Organising Committee responsible for the preparation and hosting of the International Economic Forum “Russia – Islamic World: KazanForum” to be held in May this year was chaired by Marat Khusnullin, Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation.
The Meeting was attended by Anton Kobyakov, Adviser to the President of the Russian Federation; Rustam Minnikhanov, Head of the Republic of Tatarstan; representatives of ministries and departments; representatives of federal ministries and departments; and other members of the Organising Committee.
“KazanForum still stands as the stable and crucial platform for open and trusting dialogue, especially in a current challenging geopolitical climate where holding open negotiations may present some challenges. The importance of the Russian Federation’s co-operation with the countries of the Islamic world is particularly heightened against the backdrop of the lingering crisis across the Middle East. The events occurring in the Region clearly demonstrate the need to strengthen solidarity and seek mutually beneficial methods of resolving the conflicts. In this regard, the Forum goes beyond its purely economic objectives. It helps to co-ordinate efforts to shape an agenda based on security and mutual respect for sovereignty and traditional values. It is also worth noting that the upcoming KazanForum will be particularly significant as it takes place during a landmark event: Kazan’s designation as the Cultural Capital of the Islamic world. Preliminary results of the preparatory campaign indicate that this year, too, we can expect a packed business programme and exhibitions, with meetings of intergovernmental committees and the signing of a number of bilateral agreements scheduled. Over 60 countries have already confirmed their participation in the Event to date. Representatives of Russia’s regions are also showing keen interest in taking part. I am confident that the Forum, thanks to the meticulous and professional preparation and just as in the previous years, will be held to a high standard and will bring practical benefits to all its participants,” Marat Khusnullin shared.
Anton Kobyakov, Adviser to the President and Executive Secretary of the Forum’s Organising Committee, noted that in May, Kazan will also be endowed with the status of the Islamic World Business Capital.
“The great number of events scheduled as part of the ‘Russia – Islamic World: KazanForum’ International Economic Forum has led to the Event’s dates being extended. From 12 to 17 May, the Forum will bring together an extensive three-day business programme, featuring sessions across 21 subject tracks, as well as exhibition, cultural, and sport programmes, with the activities taking place throughout the city. The United Arab Emirates, the Sultanate of Oman, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Iran, the Kyrgyz Republic and the Democratic Republic of the Congo will showcase their displays. In addition to the Forum’s primary business programme, the Kazan Expo International Exhibition Centre will host the International Exhibition on Co-Operation between Russia and the Islamic World; the All-Russian ‘Leaders of the Construction Industry’ Management Competition; the ‘International Property Market 2026’ Property Exhibition; the International Young Chefs’ Tournament of Islamic Countries; the 16th All-Russian Forum of Tatar Religious Leaders ‘National Identity and Religion’; and the Festival of Eastern Cultures. Special attention will be paid to the international and diplomatic aspects, with events planned engaging intergovernmental committees on trade, economic, scientific, and technical co-operation between the Russian Federation and foreign countries. Furthermore, this is Kazan’s first time being appointed as the Cultural Capital of the Islamic world, which serves to recognise the city’s role
in strengthening international dialogue and preserving spiritual heritage,” Anton Kobyakov, Adviser to the President of the Russian Federation and Deputy Chairman and Executive Secretary of the Forum’s Organising Committee, emphasised.
According to Rustam Minnikhanov, Head of the Republic of Tatarstan and Deputy Chairman of the KazanForum Organising Committee, over 60 countries
and 20 heads of Russian regions have so far confirmed their participation in the Forum. The business programme encompasses over 120 events on topical issues such as Islamic finance and investment; the halal industry; culture; sport; and women’s perspectives.
“The annual meeting of the ‘Russia – Islamic World’ Strategic Vision Group will take place during the Forum as well, with particular focus placed on the subject
of ‘Shared Values as the Foundation for Co-Operation and Mutual Understanding between Russia and the Islamic World’. Besides that, the upcoming KazanForum will take place against the backdrop of a landmark event: Kazan’s appointment
as the Cultural Capital of the Islamic world. In this respect, a number of important and interesting events have been incorporated into the programme, including
the Congress of Ministers of Culture of OIC Member States; a festival of cultures; round-table discussions; and exhibitions organised by the Academy of Sciences of Tatarstan. Work is underway to arrange the ISESCO General Assembly;
the Congress of National Banks of OIC Member States; the International Property Exhibition; the Modest Fashion Day; a meeting of foreign Ambassadors to Russia; and many other events. We want our Forum to become a model of reliability and hospitality in the face of modern challenges. I am positive that, through our joint efforts, the upcoming Event will be organised properly and to the highest standard,” Rustam Minnikhanov noted.
The International Economic Forum “Russia – Islamic World: Kazan Forum”
has been held annually in Kazan since 2009. In 2026, the Forum will be held as a federal-level event for the fourth time. The development of economic, trade, social, and cultural relations between Russia and Islamic states serve as the key objectives of the Event.
Photo: Government of the Russian Federation, Press Service of Rais of the Republic of Tatarstan
The Meeting was attended by Anton Kobyakov, Adviser to the President of the Russian Federation; Rustam Minnikhanov, Head of the Republic of Tatarstan; representatives of ministries and departments; representatives of federal ministries and departments; and other members of the Organising Committee.
“KazanForum still stands as the stable and crucial platform for open and trusting dialogue, especially in a current challenging geopolitical climate where holding open negotiations may present some challenges. The importance of the Russian Federation’s co-operation with the countries of the Islamic world is particularly heightened against the backdrop of the lingering crisis across the Middle East. The events occurring in the Region clearly demonstrate the need to strengthen solidarity and seek mutually beneficial methods of resolving the conflicts. In this regard, the Forum goes beyond its purely economic objectives. It helps to co-ordinate efforts to shape an agenda based on security and mutual respect for sovereignty and traditional values. It is also worth noting that the upcoming KazanForum will be particularly significant as it takes place during a landmark event: Kazan’s designation as the Cultural Capital of the Islamic world. Preliminary results of the preparatory campaign indicate that this year, too, we can expect a packed business programme and exhibitions, with meetings of intergovernmental committees and the signing of a number of bilateral agreements scheduled. Over 60 countries have already confirmed their participation in the Event to date. Representatives of Russia’s regions are also showing keen interest in taking part. I am confident that the Forum, thanks to the meticulous and professional preparation and just as in the previous years, will be held to a high standard and will bring practical benefits to all its participants,” Marat Khusnullin shared.
Anton Kobyakov, Adviser to the President and Executive Secretary of the Forum’s Organising Committee, noted that in May, Kazan will also be endowed with the status of the Islamic World Business Capital.
“The great number of events scheduled as part of the ‘Russia – Islamic World: KazanForum’ International Economic Forum has led to the Event’s dates being extended. From 12 to 17 May, the Forum will bring together an extensive three-day business programme, featuring sessions across 21 subject tracks, as well as exhibition, cultural, and sport programmes, with the activities taking place throughout the city. The United Arab Emirates, the Sultanate of Oman, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Iran, the Kyrgyz Republic and the Democratic Republic of the Congo will showcase their displays. In addition to the Forum’s primary business programme, the Kazan Expo International Exhibition Centre will host the International Exhibition on Co-Operation between Russia and the Islamic World; the All-Russian ‘Leaders of the Construction Industry’ Management Competition; the ‘International Property Market 2026’ Property Exhibition; the International Young Chefs’ Tournament of Islamic Countries; the 16th All-Russian Forum of Tatar Religious Leaders ‘National Identity and Religion’; and the Festival of Eastern Cultures. Special attention will be paid to the international and diplomatic aspects, with events planned engaging intergovernmental committees on trade, economic, scientific, and technical co-operation between the Russian Federation and foreign countries. Furthermore, this is Kazan’s first time being appointed as the Cultural Capital of the Islamic world, which serves to recognise the city’s role
in strengthening international dialogue and preserving spiritual heritage,” Anton Kobyakov, Adviser to the President of the Russian Federation and Deputy Chairman and Executive Secretary of the Forum’s Organising Committee, emphasised.
According to Rustam Minnikhanov, Head of the Republic of Tatarstan and Deputy Chairman of the KazanForum Organising Committee, over 60 countries
and 20 heads of Russian regions have so far confirmed their participation in the Forum. The business programme encompasses over 120 events on topical issues such as Islamic finance and investment; the halal industry; culture; sport; and women’s perspectives.
“The annual meeting of the ‘Russia – Islamic World’ Strategic Vision Group will take place during the Forum as well, with particular focus placed on the subject
of ‘Shared Values as the Foundation for Co-Operation and Mutual Understanding between Russia and the Islamic World’. Besides that, the upcoming KazanForum will take place against the backdrop of a landmark event: Kazan’s appointment
as the Cultural Capital of the Islamic world. In this respect, a number of important and interesting events have been incorporated into the programme, including
the Congress of Ministers of Culture of OIC Member States; a festival of cultures; round-table discussions; and exhibitions organised by the Academy of Sciences of Tatarstan. Work is underway to arrange the ISESCO General Assembly;
the Congress of National Banks of OIC Member States; the International Property Exhibition; the Modest Fashion Day; a meeting of foreign Ambassadors to Russia; and many other events. We want our Forum to become a model of reliability and hospitality in the face of modern challenges. I am positive that, through our joint efforts, the upcoming Event will be organised properly and to the highest standard,” Rustam Minnikhanov noted.
The International Economic Forum “Russia – Islamic World: Kazan Forum”
has been held annually in Kazan since 2009. In 2026, the Forum will be held as a federal-level event for the fourth time. The development of economic, trade, social, and cultural relations between Russia and Islamic states serve as the key objectives of the Event.
Photo: Government of the Russian Federation, Press Service of Rais of the Republic of Tatarstan
Photo Gallery from the Event
