Rustam Minnikhanov at a meeting of the Strategic Vision Group “Russia-the Islamic world”: Relations between Russia and OIC countries have become more constructive

On 15 May, speaking at a meeting of the Strategic Vision Group “Russia-the Islamic world” held at the Bashir Rameev IT Park   in Kazan, the Rais (Head) of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov said that today relations between Russia and the OIC countries have become more constructive and gained a holistic and multifaceted character, “which strengthened out dialogue and mutual understanding and expanded joint work boundaries”.

The Deputy Chairman of the Russian Government Marat Khusnullin, Deputy Secretary General of the UN and the High Representative for the Alliance of Civilizations Miguel Angel Moratinos, the Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office in Russia Magomedsalam Magomedov, the Deputy Secretary General of the OIC Yousef El- Dobeay and the Russian Presidential Envoy in the Volga Federal District Igor Komarov also took part in the meeting the main topic of which was “Common Values as the basis for cooperation and mutual understanding between Russia and the Islamic world”.

In his welcoming speech, Rustam Minnikhanov, who is the Chairman of the Strategic Vision Group, stated that at the turn of the second millennium, the global system of international relations began to change significantly, with the formation of a new multipolar world becoming an important trend. These changes facilitated the search for new forms of interaction of Russia with the Islamic world countries.

“The similarity of approaches to key issues in global politics and the commonality of moral values ​​are particularly relevant for our country as a multinational state that has unique experience in building a dialogue with traditional religions. The Kazan Kremlin where the Kul Sharif Mosque and the Annunciation Cathedral stand side by side   is the bright example of such coexistence,” he said and thanked the participants of the meeting for their interest in the work of the Group and contribution into the processes of deepening and development of a dialogue of Russia with Muslim countries.

The Rais of the republic also noted that that the areas of joint work have expanded - in the areas of security, the fight against terrorism, the economy, humanitarian initiatives, and interreligious dialogue. “In the whole our Strategic Vision Group always confirms our commitment to principles of equality and justice,” he said and emphasized that under current difficult conditions Russia continues to pursue a policy of building a multipolar world, the sovereign equality of states, respect for their right to independently choose models for the development of social, political and economic systems, cultural diversity and reliance on spiritual and moral guidelines.

 “At the same time, the so-called Western world is once again demonstrating double standards, where blatant aggression is not condemned and is even justified. The Group's leadership adheres to the position voiced by the Russian President: the strike on Iran is an unprovoked act of aggression, without basis or justification,” Rustam Minnikhanov said and , speaking about the Palestine-Israel conflict added:” Our country has always advocated for the implementation of the UN Security Council decisions, primarily the creation of an independent, sovereign Palestinian state. The Russia-Islamic World Group declares its commitment to the principles of equality and justice and respect for the cultural and civilizational identity of peoples.”