MOSCOW, June 11. /TASS/. Russia and Islamic countries should create "a network of cooperation so that the world becomes more harmonious, Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Secretary General Iyad bin Amin Madani told the session of the "Russia-Islamic World" strategic vision group on Thursday.
"Russia has a long history of relations with the Islamic world. These are historical and geographical situations, common values," Madani noted.
"Russia also faces problems connected with Europe’s view of it," the secretary general reminded. "European countries sometimes view it, the giant country, as something different from Europe, something less civilized where there are other types of relations. We, Muslims living all around the world, also face such attitude toward ourselves. This also united us and Russia, when others views as a different world," he continued.
"We must understand what modern Russia is, what values it is based upon," Madani said. "We have many things in common — values, principle of importance to respect religions, adherence to ideas of tolerance," he added. "We consider Russia to be a balancing force which is crucial for leveling out the situation in the world," Madani stated.
He expressed confidence that Russia and Islamic countries will in the future "have more cooperation opportunities." "It is important to create a network of relations between Russia and the Islamic world," the secretary general said. "In order for us to work together, we need an alliance, a union, rapprochement possibilities. The world will get better if we can improve understanding, trust between us," he concluded.