Vladimir Putin: «The Islamic world is very diverse, just like the Christian world. But I am confident that the example set by Tatarstan is undoubtedly highly positive»

The Russian President called Tatarstan as a positive example in building interethnic relations

During the annual press conference on the results of 2025, Russian President Vladimir Putin noted that the example of Tatarstan, where various ethnicities and religions successfully coexist, is positive and arouses interest among countries with an Islamic population.

Artur Khalilullov, deputy editor-in-chief of Tatar-Inform, asked Russian President Vladimir Putin, whether the experience of Tatarstan could be considered an example of what Islam should be in modern world, and whether Muslims around the world look to this experience.

«The Islamic world is very diverse, just like the Christian world – we both know this well. But I am confident that the example set by Tatarstan is undoubtedly highly positive. Many of my colleagues from countries with predominantly Muslim populations have noted this and are looking at the positive experience of coexistence among people of different ethnicities and religions, which Tatarstan demonstrates», – Vladimir Putin noted.

He added that Russia has consistently strengthened ties with the Islamic world, including through the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the Russia–Islamic World Strategic Vision Group.

«More than 10 percent of our population are Muslims. Our Orthodoxy is Eastern Christianity, and in terms of all our major traditional values, we are fully aligned. What is being done in Tatarstan across these domains – spiritual, educational, academic- is important. This all began with Tatarstan’s first leader, and now Rustam Minnikhanov is actively continuing this work. It is no coincidence, I think, that the capital of Tatarstan has been chosen as the host for major future international events», – - the President said.

For reference, Kazan will become the first city outside the OIC member countries to receive the status of the cultural capital of the Islamic world. In 2026, the city will host a number of international events aimed at developing cultural and humanitarian cooperation.

During a traditional online meeting with President Vladimir Putin, both residents of the country and journalists of federal and regional media can ask questions to the president. The collection of messages started in early December and was conducted through several channels. By the beginning of the broadcast over three million questions and messages were received.