News – Government of Russia

Deputy Chairman of the Government Marat Khusnullin took part in a meeting of the leadership of the Strategic Vision Group “Russia – Islamic World” with ambassadors of the member states of the organization of Islamic cooperation. The meeting was also attended by Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergey Lavrov, RAS of the Republic of Tatarstan, chairman of the group Rustam Minnikhanov.

In his welcoming appeal, Marat Khusnullin noted the constant readiness of Russia to act as a reliable partner for Islamic states. He also emphasized that the current situation creates additional opportunities to strengthen such relations.

“In accordance with the priorities of the foreign policy of Russia, identified by President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, cooperation with Muslim countries has reached the level of strategic partnership. Today we are observing how this cooperation based on mutual respect and common interests covers a wide range of areas and demonstrates an impressive development dynamics. Significant economic growth is confirmed by figures: over the past four years, the trade in Russia with the states of the organization of Islamic cooperation has increased by 44% and amounted to $ 163 billion in the results of 2024. Also, the key factor in strengthening cooperation was the development of transport corridors “North -South” and “West – Vostok” that can radically change global logistics, ”said Marat Khusnullin.

Over the past 15 years, a group of strategic vision “Russia -Islamic world” has made a significant contribution to the development of international cooperation, actively contributing to the strengthening of dialogue and understanding between states. Last year, large events were successfully implemented, including the annual meeting of the group and the International Economic Forum “Russia – Islamic World: KazanForum”.

Marat Khusnullin also recalled that the next forum “Russia is the Islamic world: Kazanforum” will be held from May 13 to 18. The business program includes the discussion of Islamic finance, partnership banking, the Halal industry, cooperation in construction, youth diplomacy, export, entrepreneurship and investment.

RAS Tatarstan, Chairman of the Group Rustam Minnikhanov thanked all foreign and Russian colleagues for his contribution to the activities of the Russia -Islamic World strategic vision group.

“Expanding interaction with Muslim countries is one of the priority areas of Russian foreign policy. Today, such cooperation is of particular significance. I invite everyone to the International Economic Forum “Russia – Islamic World: Kazanforum,” which will be held in May. A rich business program of the forum has been formed. The theme of the plenary meeting: “Digitalization: a new reality and opportunities for expanding cooperation.” On May 15–16, the annual meeting of the Strategic Vision Group “Russia – Islamic World” is also planned. His topic is “the experience of Russia and the Islamic world in the field of youth policy: general challenges and joint actions.” Today, about 70% of the Islamic world population is youth. Our duty is to instill in the younger generation a careful attitude to their history and culture. To this end, the next meeting of the Group of Strategic Vision “Russia – Islamic World” will be dedicated to youth policy, ”added Rustam Minnikhanov.

The Group of Strategic Vision “Russia – Islamic World” was created in 2006, after Russia received the status of an observer in the organization of Islamic cooperation. The group has become an important platform for a dialogue between Russia and the Islamic world, where current issues of international relations, situations in the near and Middle East are discussed, as well as a set of relationships between Russia and the states of the Islamic East.