KAZAN, May 15. /TASS/. Over the past 20 years, relations between Russia and the member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) have become more comprehensive and multifaceted, Rustam Minnikhanov, head of the Tatarstan Region, said at a meeting of the Russia–Islamic World Strategic Vision Group in Kazan.

"This year, we are gathering to mark a significant milestone — the 20th anniversary of the group’s founding. At the turn of the second millennium, major changes began sweeping through the global system of international relations, with the emergence of a new multipolar world order becoming a key trend. <…> Relations between Russia and the member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation have become more constructive and have taken on a comprehensive and multilateral character," Minnikhanov said.

He recalled that, at the initiative of President Vladimir Putin, Russia was granted observer status in the OIC. According to Minnikhanov, over the past two decades, cooperation has expanded to include security, counterterrorism, the economy, humanitarian initiatives, cultural exchanges, and interfaith dialogue.

The head of Tatarstan stressed that an important factor in further strengthening relations is not only a shared approach to key global issues, but also a common system of moral values. He also highlighted Russia’s unique experience as a multinational state in building dialogue among traditional religions, noting that Tatarstan serves as a vivid example of this.

The meeting is being held as part of the international economic event Russia–Islamic World: KazanForum. TASS is its general media partner.