Khusnullin, Minnikhanov and patriarch Kirill take part in the meeting of the Assembly “Russia – the Islamic World” in Kazan

Russian President Vladimir Putin sent greetings to the participants of the meeting

A meeting of the Strategic Vision Group “Russia – the Islamic World” took place at the Kazan City Hall. It was attended by the Russian Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin, Chairman of the group, Rais (Head) of the republic of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov, Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Kirill and Presidential Plenipotentiary Representative to the Volga Federal District Igor Komarov. The guests were met by the Mayor of Kazan Ilsur Metshin.

Marat Khusnullin stressed that Russia values relations with the Muslim world and will develop cooperation in all areas. Then the Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation read out a Russian President’s message.

“The Islamic world is actively developing and has important accomplishments in trade, finance, innovations and applied scientific research. Russia is open to extensive business and cultural cooperation with Muslim countries. We are interested in strengthening the existing ties and finding new partners, as well as in promoting agricultural and industrial cooperation and creating new transport and logistics chains. I want to note that Russian Muslims play an important role in expanding international contacts. The holding of today’s Forum is proof of that.”

Patriarch Kirill highly appreciated the interethnic and interfaith harmony in Tatarstan.

“Mosques are side by side to churches in Kazan, Muslim and Orthodox theology is developing. Here Christians and Muslims work together for the common wealth. I would like to thank the Rais of the republic of Tatarstan, Rustam Minnikhanov, for holding this important event,”- said Patriarch.

Minnikhanov, in turn, noted that Russia continues to pursue the line of building a multipolar world based on the principles of equality of states.

“I want to note an important position, which is included in the concept of the country's foreign policy approved by the decree of Russian President Putin. For the first time, the “Islamic World” topic is included in this document. It emphasizes that the Islamic states are becoming reliable partners of Russia. Despite all attempts, it was not possible to isolate Russia. Representatives of more than 80 foreign countries, who came to Tatarstan to participate in KazanForum, are an example of this,”- the Rais of Tatarstan noted.

He noted that Russia has a unique experience in building a mutually respectful dialogue between representatives of traditional world religions.

“Tatarstan is a perfect example of interreligious harmony. You can clearly see this by visiting the Kul Sharif Mosque and the Annunciation Cathedral in the Kazan Kremlin, as well as many other places where temples of different religions are side by side,”- Minnikhanov said.

The head of the region expressed confidence that the meeting of the group will contribute to the strengthening of traditional spiritual values.

“One of the important issues of cooperation should be joint counteraction to Islamophobia. At the same time, we must speak out against the oppression of traditional religious associations in the post–Soviet area,”- he believes.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of Putin's speech at the meeting of heads of state and government at the Islamic Conference in Malaysia. It was then that the President of the country proposed to transfer Russia's relations with the Islamic countries into a new format. As a result, our country received observer status at this international organization.

“We plan to hold the next meeting of the group in Malaysia,”- announced Minnikhanov.

The Rais of Tatarstan stressed the need to develop cooperation between Russia and the Islamic world in education, including religious education. In addition, Russia considers the Islamic states as priority trade, economic and investment partners. Presently, Tatarstan is hosting the International Economic Forum “Russia – the Islamic World: KazanForum” which has become a federal event by the decision of the President of Russia.