MM Report
KAZAN: The Strategic Vision Group “Russia – Islamic World” is preparing to mark its 20th anniversary at the upcoming KazanForum, a milestone hailed by Russian officials as a testament to two decades of fostering dialogue and cooperation with Muslim-majority nations.
The announcement was made by Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin during a meeting with the group’s leadership and ambassadors from member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) accredited in Moscow. Khusnullin stressed that strengthening partnerships with Muslim countries, built on mutual respect and shared interests, remains a central tenet of Russia’s foreign policy, in line with President Vladimir Putin’s directives.
“These principles form the foundation for a fair and stable international order,” Khusnullin said, highlighting the group’s role in promoting mutual understanding and direct engagement between nations. Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov echoed this sentiment, noting that interethnic and interfaith harmony has historically underpinned Russian statehood.
Lavrov described the KazanForum as a key platform for ongoing dialogue and cooperation, praising the Strategic Vision Group, led by Rustam Minnikhanov, the Rais of Tatarstan, for its contribution to developing Russia-OIC relations. Minnikhanov said the forum provides a space for participants to tackle contemporary cultural and humanitarian issues, share experiences, and explore new avenues for collaboration.
Minnikhanov revealed that the 17th edition of the KazanForum would take place in the Tatarstan capital next month, following a record-breaking program last year that drew 8,500 participants from 96 countries and 82 Russian regions, including heads of more than 35 diplomatic missions.
