Greetings to participants and guests of the 17th International Economic Forum Russia – Islamic World: KazanForum

The message reads, in part:

"Russian and foreign politicians, public activists, scholars and theologists, businesspeople and experts have gathered in Kazan to discuss key issues related to the economy, humanitarian issues, and spirituality. They will share experience in cooperation between Russia and Islamic states, which is based on common values, respect for cultural and civilisational diversity, and commitment to dialogue and partnership for a stable and successful future.

Representatives of various faiths and ethnicities have lived in our country for centuries, each preserving their unique and authentic culture. It is symbolic that the forum is being held in the Republic of Tatarstan, a dynamically developing Russian region where people cherish traditions of inter-ethnic accord.

Islam is one of the world's major religions that is widely practised in Russia by millions of our citizens who contribute greatly to the Russian economy, science, culture, and social development. We seek to deepen our friendly relations with all Islamic states.

We actively cooperate in international politics, implementing promising projects in energy, industrial production, information technology, construction, agriculture, finance, education, healthcare, tourism, and other areas.

Russia participates in the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation as an observer. The OIC named the hospitable Kazan the cultural capital of the Islamic world this year.

I wish you fruitful discussions and success. I am confident that, as before, the forum will produce meaningful results, opening up new horizons for mutually beneficial relationships between our countries and nations."