Minnihanov: "Islamic countries have not turned away from Russia even in this difficult period."

      "KazanForum" has become one of the major federal events in Russia - Rustam Minnikhanov on 20 years of the Strategic Vision Group

      - Rustam Nurgalievich, hello! In the run-up to the "KazanForum," we traditionally discuss the main directions of the republic's foreign activities, your team's work. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Strategic Vision Group (SVG) "Russia - Islamic World." As the Chairman of the group, what results in its work would you consider important to highlight?

      - Probably, we should start with the fact that this Group was established after our President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin made the decision that Russia would be an observer in the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). When all this happened, the President decided to create such a group, and two authoritative leaders, such as Yevgeny Maximovich Primakov and Mintimer Sharipovich Shaimiev, headed it. The work of the SVG began with the participation of these two personalities, who are known both in Russia and beyond its borders. In 2014, I was entrusted to lead this group. And since 2014, we have been carrying out this work. I must say that the decision made by the President to bring Russia's positions closer together, to showcase our uniqueness and diversity... During this difficult period for our country, when due to our recent events, with the conduct of the Special Military Operation (SMO)... we saw who our friends were, who our companions were. The Islamic world did not turn away from Russia. Our leader Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin has excellent relations with the leaders of Islamic states, with all of them!

      - So, the partnership relations with everyone have been maintained?

      - Yes. Even under these conditions (during the SMO, - ed.) we hold meetings of our Group not only in Russian cities such as Moscow, Grozny, Ufa, Dagestan, Kazan... But also abroad - the Group's meeting took place in Saudi Arabia and Malaysia. And every year we hold a forum in Kazan. Our partners, representatives of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation countries, participate and work with us. And here's a fact - our capital Kazan has received the status of the cultural capital of the Islamic world. This indicates that even in such moments, our partners maintain their position and have their opinions on all issues. I am not saying that they are with those countries that somewhat ignore us... yes, they communicate normally. But as for our country, Russia, our President - there is a respectful attitude! And I believe that the work of our Group, which includes Russian public and political figures, as well as foreign figures, is yielding results. Therefore, after 20 years, the activities of the "Russia - Islamic World" Group continue. In Kazan, we are expecting new guests at the Forum. I hope this will be the next step in promoting the interests of our country.

      "The President granted our forum federal status"

      - Rustam Nurgalievich, you often visit Islamic countries on official visits, and you are received at the highest level. We are witnesses to this; we often observe it. Do you feel this goodwill, which has increased and strengthened, and the understanding of our country due to the work of the Group? Do our Islamic partners know us better, more deeply?

      - I think so, because they are not meeting Minnikhanov; they are meeting a representative of the Russian Federation, who is authorized to work with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and these countries. That is, endowed with these powers by the head of state - the President of Russia. And, of course, I must say that everywhere we find understanding, support, and this kind of attitude. We had our last trip to "INNOPROM." We discussed common issues with the President of Uzbekistan, and I invited him to the "KazanForum." Uzbekistan and all other countries always send representative delegations. Before that, I visited Egypt. In Egypt, besides our republican issues related to our companies, we discussed the work of the Group (the Strategic Vision Group, - ed.), the issues of holding this Forum. I believe this is a good platform of federal level. The President (Vladimir Putin, - ed.) sees that this forum has found its place in the major political events of the country and granted our forum federal status. The organizing committee is headed by Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin, who actively contributes to the organization and elevation of the status. He knows our republic well and knows Russia well. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, other ministries, the Government of the country, and Mikhail Ivanovich Mishustin (Prime Minister of the Russian Federation, - ed.) support us greatly. Everyone supports us. Therefore, this is our collective work and a contribution to our common Russian treasury, where we can also attract partners. Many regions and many Russian companies participate. It is very important to find that platform where you can meet those people who are interesting to you, and you can also be useful to them. This is such a platform. I believe we should conduct this event decently and well.

      The leadership of Malaysia shows that it is necessary to work with Russia

      - Rustam Nurgalievich, you mentioned Malaysia, where the Group's meeting took place, this large dialogue... And after that, both the Prime Minister of Malaysia and the King of the friendly country visited us in Russia, in Kazan. Still, informal relationships, purely friendly relations, also play a significant role in developing partnerships, right?

      - Well, you see that both the respected Prime Minister and the respected King (the ruler of Malaysia, - ed.) have a very friendly attitude towards Russia and our President. And this is a guarantee that we have materialized this interest into joint activities and visits. When many leaders abroad hide that they may have a good attitude towards Russia, but, based on some of their situational considerations, limit their communication... These people are open. They, on the contrary, officially show that it is necessary to work with Russia, it is possible to work, and this is also very important for us.

      "Of course, there was tremendous support from the King of Bahrain"

      - At the end of last year, an office of the financial organization AAOIFI was opened in Kazan. This is also a result of joint work. You had previously traveled to Bahrain and held negotiations. How did this come about?

      - Well, first of all, we have long been promoting Islamic banks in Russia. It hasn't always worked out for us, but in recent years, thanks to the support of the Central Bank, Elvira Sakhipzadovna (Nabiullina, - ed.), the State Duma of the Russian Federation, an experiment is underway, and it is gaining momentum. But this is a different form; specialists are needed, standards are needed.

      AAOIFI is actually a global system for the standardization, auditing, and accounting of Islamic banking. This is the first representative of the organization outside the Kingdom of Bahrain. There was, of course, tremendous support from the King of Bahrain. Our relations are good, and he is a very open person. Very positive relations, he has a very good attitude towards Russia. And this happened; I believe that no one was harmed by this - on the contrary. After all, over 20 million Muslims live in Russia. And, of course, the fact that there are such opportunities for people who preach Islam is important. Therefore, all this is supported. It is clear that not everything is easy. But it is happening; we are being heard!

      What else does Tatarstan emphasize in foreign relations, what joint projects are already in progress, and which of these areas, in Rustam Minnikhanov's opinion, is the most important, see in a special edition of the program "Tatarstan today. Open to the world" with Dina Gazalieva. • May 23 at 19:00 and May 25 at 22:10 on the "TNV-Tatarstan" TV channel • May 27 at 18:30 and 22:30 on the "Tatarstan-24" TV channel • And on video hosting platforms on the media project page "Tatarstan today. Open to the world"

      Photo: provided by Dina Gazalieva