Russia Highlights Expanding Partnership With Islamic Countries
From Nurunnasihah Ahmad Rashid
KAZAN (Russia), May 15 (Bernama) -- Russia signalled its commitment to ongoing cooperation with Islamic countries in sectors including energy, industry, information technology (IT), construction, agriculture, finance, education, healthcare and tourism.
In a speech by Russian President Vladimir Putin, delivered by Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin at the annual meeting of the Strategic Vision Group “Russia – Islamic world”, he said Russia remained committed to expanding friendly and mutually beneficial ties with Islamic states.
The meeting was held in conjunction with the 17th International Economic Forum Russia–Islamic World: KazanForum 2026, here today.
Putin said the forum in Kazan had brought together politicians, business leaders, scholars and experts from Russia and abroad to discuss economic, humanitarian and spiritual cooperation between Russia and the Islamic world.
He said such cooperation was based on shared values, respect for cultural and civilisational diversity, and commitment towards dialogue and partnership for a stable and prosperous future.
“For centuries, representatives of different religions, ethnicities, and peoples have lived side by side in our country, each preserving its own unique identity and traditions.
“It is symbolic that the forum is being held in the Republic of Tatarstan, a dynamically developing region of Russia where the traditions of interethnic harmony are carefully preserved,” he added.
He noted that Islam is widely practised in Russia and that millions of Muslims in the country continue to contribute to the development of the national economy, science, culture, and social sectors.
Russia currently participates in the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) as an observer state, while Kazan was named the Cultural Capital of the Islamic World for 2026.
The KazanForum 2026 held from May 12 to 16, is a platform for strengthening trade, economic, scientific, technical, social, and cultural ties between Russia and the countries of the OIC.
Meanwhile, the Rais (head) of the Republic of Tatarstan, Rustam Minnikhanov, said the world was undergoing a transition towards a multipolar order, prompting Russia and Islamic countries to strengthen cooperation across economic, cultural and humanitarian sectors.
He said relations between Russia and member states of the OIC had become more constructive and comprehensive over the years, covering areas such as economic development, security, cultural exchange and interfaith dialogue.
Minnikhanov, who is also the Strategic Vision Group Russia-Islamic World chairman, also highlighted the “Greater Eurasian Partnership” initiative proposed by Putin, which aims to integrate cooperation frameworks involving the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), BRICS, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), China’s Belt and Road Initiative and OIC member states.
He said the initiative seeks to align strategic interests and strengthen infrastructure and trade integration beyond institutional barriers.
According to Minnikhanov, the participation of representatives from more than 100 countries at KazanForum reflected continued international engagement with Russia despite current geopolitical challenges.
– BERNAMA