Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s remarks at a meeting of the Russia-Islamic World Strategic Vision Group with ambassadors from the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation member states, Moscow, April 21, 2025

Mr Khusnullin and Mr Minnikhanov,

Your Excellencies,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Friends,

We are pleased to provide the spatial opportunities at our disposal for meetings such as today’s. Dialogue in this format has become a cherished tradition, and we intend to sustain it.

Russia is the largest Eurasian power, a civilisational state. Here, alongside Christians, Buddhists, and Jews, reside millions of citizens who profess Islam.

Our country has traditionally maintained trust-based and amicable relations with the Islamic world. We are united by much: a commitment to building a just multipolar world order founded on the principles of the UN Charter in their fullness and interconnectedness; respect for cultural and civilisational diversity; adherence in practice to the paramount principle of the sovereign equality of states; and Article 1 of the UN Charter, which demands respect for human rights irrespective of race, sex, language, or religion.

We are united in our conviction that no society should tolerate the imposition of alien values from abroad, which undermine historical roots, spiritual and moral foundations, and internal cohesion. We reject the pernicious practice of employing unilateral restrictive measures – so-called sanctions – against nations that pursue independent foreign and domestic policies grounded in national interests and traditions.

The Russian Federation places great emphasis on strengthening friendly ties with the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). I note with satisfaction that over nearly two decades of joint work since Russia obtained observer status at the OIC in 2005, we have achieved significant results.

A stable and trust-based political dialogue has been established on pressing issues of the international agenda.

Collaboration in culture, education, and science is underway. Ties between regions and peple-to-people contacts continue to broaden. Meetings of clergy, cultural figures, and youth help our friends in the Islamic world better understand life in modern Russia – and enable us to better comprehend the highly complex processes unfolding in the Islamic world.

The backbone in Russia-OIC relations is the Strategic Vision Group led by Head of the Republic of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov. This Group serves as an instrument for fortifying friendship, mutual understanding, and trust between Russia and the Islamic world. It is, in essence, a unique platform for inter-civilisational dialogue, aimed at safeguarding traditional spiritual and moral values and enhancing mutual understanding between the Russian Orthodox Church and Muslim organisations – and, more broadly, between the Russian World and the Arab-Muslim civilisation.

The development of ties with the OIC enjoys broad support across our nation. This process engages the government, parliament members, business communities, religious associations, youth organisations, and figures from science and culture. The contribution of authorities in Russian regions with historically Muslim populations is impossible to overstate.

In mid-May, Kazan will host the 16th International Economic Forum Russia – Islamic World: KazanForum. This flagship business event will provide fresh impetus to our trade and economic collaboration. A special session of the Russia-Islamic World Strategic Vision Group will be held on the Forum’s sidelines. The Russian Foreign Ministry is already providing, and will continue to provide, comprehensive support for the Forum’s organisation. We are mobilising backing through our diplomatic and trade missions.

We look forward to welcoming high-level delegations from your countries to the hospitable and amazing capital of Tatarstan.