Tatarstan President: We should strive to ensure that the relations between Russia and the Islamic world set an example of civilized partnership

On November 29, opening the plenary session of the fifth meeting of the Russia – Islamic World Strategic Vision Group held in Ufa, on the theme “Interfaith harmony: the experience of Russia and the countries of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)” and dedicated to the 50th anniversary of the OIC and 90th anniversary of the outstanding Russian politician Yevgeny Primakov, one of the founders of the Group, Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov read out a welcoming speech of Russian President Vladimir Putin to the participants and guests of the meeting.

Deputy Chairman of the Federation Council Committee on Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Doctor of Political Sciences, Deputy Chairman of the Russia - the Islamic World Strategic Vision Group Farid Mukhametshin moderated the meeting.

Minnikhanov thanked Head of Bashkortostan Radiy Khabirov and all the Bashkir colleagues for their hospitality, the organization of the programme and the establishment of excellent conditions for the work of the Group.

Tatarstan President said that in 2005, at the initiative of Russian President Vladimir Putin, our country became an observer in the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). This year, the OIC celebrates its 50th anniversary.

"Today, we should actively use the potential of our relations. By joining forces, we will be able to quickly establish an order based on equality, respect for international law and justice. We should jointly increase the efficiency in countering terrorism and interaction in a number of other areas, such as protecting traditional moral values, caring for socially vulnerable members of society and national minorities, combating natural and technological disasters and environmental problems. Russia is ready to share technologies and participate in the training of national personnel in high-tech areas, in particular, in the issues of atomic structure, cosmonautics and in the IT sphere. In general, we need to strive to ensure that relations between Russia and the Islamic world set an example of civilized partnership, becoming another important means of public diplomacy,” Minnikhanov said.

At the end of the meeting, Minnikhanov handed in the Chairman’s of Russia-Islamic World Strategic Vision Group award, and meeting participants adopted the relevant resolution.