Strategic Vision Group "Russia – Islamic World": Vladimir Putin Sends Greetings to Participants of Kazan Meeting
Strategic Vision Group "Russia – Islamic World": Vladimir Putin Sends Greetings to Participants of Kazan Meeting
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.
"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," the President's message stated.
It was further noted in the message that both the 17th International Economic Forum "Russia – Islamic World: KazanForum" and the Group's meeting serve to bring together politicians, public figures, business leaders, academics and clergy for discussions on key areas of co-operation and humanitarian ties.
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.
"The closeness of our approaches to the key challenges of global politics, and the moral values we hold in common — all of this carries particular weight for a multi-ethnic country such as ours," Rustam Minnikhanov observed.
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.
The agenda covered international cooperation, the advancement of a multipolar world order, interfaith dialogue, and the deepening of humanitarian and economic links between Russia and Muslim countries.
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: "Shared values have become the bedrock both for the internal consolidation of Russian society and for international dialogue with the Islamic world."
The meeting was attended by over 100 international and Russian state and public figures, as well as members of the Group. They included Magomedsalam Magomedov, Deputy Head of the Russian Presidential Administration; Grigory Karasin, Chair of the Federation Council Committee on Foreign Affairs; Miguel Ángel Moratinos, High Representative of the UN Secretary-General for the Alliance of Civilisations; Yousef Al-Dubei, Assistant Secretary-General of the OIC; and others.
According to Marat Khusnullin, amid international tensions, strengthening Russia's co-operation with Muslim countries takes on particular significance. " The Strategic Vision Group 'Russia – Islamic World' must continue to serve as a platform for coordinating efforts and searching for pathways to peace," he emphasised.
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%.
A series of events under the Group's auspices preceded the business programme. 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, including digital solutions and modern technologies, 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 separate feature of 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 Organization of Islamic Cooperation (UNA). The Forum brought together media professionals and focused on deepening professional engagement and cross-border media ties.
The meeting concluded with the formulation of proposals aimed at advancing co-operation and reinforcing the partnership between Russia and the countries of the Islamic world.
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The International Economic Forum “Russia – Islamic World: KazanForum” is being held in Kazan from 12 to 17 May 2026. In accordance with a decree of the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, the Forum acquired federal status in 2023, becoming the main platform for interaction between Russia and the Islamic world.
Representatives from 103 countries have registered for KazanForum 2026.
The Forum’s 2026 business programme includes 149 events across 21 tracks. Several international exhibitions will be held as part of the Forum: The International Exhibition of Co-operation between Russia and the Islamic World, the “Innovations. Investment. Infrastructure” Exhibition, the International Real Estate Exhibition and Conference, and the Kazan Halal Market Trade Fair. The agenda also includes: the Forum of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of OIC Countries, the Forum of Young Diplomats, the Forum of Young Entrepreneurs, meetings of intergovernmental commissions and bilateral conferences, festivals, gastronomic and sports projects, including the “Business on Horseback” horse race and the International Jockeys’ Championship.
In 2026, Kazan holds the status of Cultural Capital of the Islamic World. Cultural co‑operation will be one of the key themes of the humanitarian agenda – during the Forum, the Congress of Ministers of Culture of OIC Countries and the 15th Session of the ICESCO General Conference will be held. The programme will conclude with the “Izge Bolgar Zhyeni” gathering in Bolgar, dedicated to the Day of the Official Adoption of Islam by Volga Bulgaria.
The full programme of the Event is available on the Forum’s official website.
The Roscongress Foundation acts as the Operator for the preparation and holding of the Event, whereas ANO “Directorate for Sports and Social Projects” serves as the Operator’s Executive Directorate.
"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," the President's message stated.
It was further noted in the message that both the 17th International Economic Forum "Russia – Islamic World: KazanForum" and the Group's meeting serve to bring together politicians, public figures, business leaders, academics and clergy for discussions on key areas of co-operation and humanitarian ties.
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.
"The closeness of our approaches to the key challenges of global politics, and the moral values we hold in common — all of this carries particular weight for a multi-ethnic country such as ours," Rustam Minnikhanov observed.
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.
The agenda covered international cooperation, the advancement of a multipolar world order, interfaith dialogue, and the deepening of humanitarian and economic links between Russia and Muslim countries.
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: "Shared values have become the bedrock both for the internal consolidation of Russian society and for international dialogue with the Islamic world."
The meeting was attended by over 100 international and Russian state and public figures, as well as members of the Group. They included Magomedsalam Magomedov, Deputy Head of the Russian Presidential Administration; Grigory Karasin, Chair of the Federation Council Committee on Foreign Affairs; Miguel Ángel Moratinos, High Representative of the UN Secretary-General for the Alliance of Civilisations; Yousef Al-Dubei, Assistant Secretary-General of the OIC; and others.
According to Marat Khusnullin, amid international tensions, strengthening Russia's co-operation with Muslim countries takes on particular significance. " The Strategic Vision Group 'Russia – Islamic World' must continue to serve as a platform for coordinating efforts and searching for pathways to peace," he emphasised.
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%.
A series of events under the Group's auspices preceded the business programme. 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, including digital solutions and modern technologies, 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 separate feature of 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 Organization of Islamic Cooperation (UNA). The Forum brought together media professionals and focused on deepening professional engagement and cross-border media ties.
The meeting concluded with the formulation of proposals aimed at advancing co-operation and reinforcing the partnership between Russia and the countries of the Islamic world.
*****
The International Economic Forum “Russia – Islamic World: KazanForum” is being held in Kazan from 12 to 17 May 2026. In accordance with a decree of the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, the Forum acquired federal status in 2023, becoming the main platform for interaction between Russia and the Islamic world.
Representatives from 103 countries have registered for KazanForum 2026.
The Forum’s 2026 business programme includes 149 events across 21 tracks. Several international exhibitions will be held as part of the Forum: The International Exhibition of Co-operation between Russia and the Islamic World, the “Innovations. Investment. Infrastructure” Exhibition, the International Real Estate Exhibition and Conference, and the Kazan Halal Market Trade Fair. The agenda also includes: the Forum of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of OIC Countries, the Forum of Young Diplomats, the Forum of Young Entrepreneurs, meetings of intergovernmental commissions and bilateral conferences, festivals, gastronomic and sports projects, including the “Business on Horseback” horse race and the International Jockeys’ Championship.
In 2026, Kazan holds the status of Cultural Capital of the Islamic World. Cultural co‑operation will be one of the key themes of the humanitarian agenda – during the Forum, the Congress of Ministers of Culture of OIC Countries and the 15th Session of the ICESCO General Conference will be held. The programme will conclude with the “Izge Bolgar Zhyeni” gathering in Bolgar, dedicated to the Day of the Official Adoption of Islam by Volga Bulgaria.
The full programme of the Event is available on the Forum’s official website.
The Roscongress Foundation acts as the Operator for the preparation and holding of the Event, whereas ANO “Directorate for Sports and Social Projects” serves as the Operator’s Executive Directorate.
