“The development of cooperation between Russia and Muslim states remains very dynamic and your group has played an important role in this regard – the President of Russia's message reads. – Russia, a country which has observer status at the Organisation of the Islamic Conference, will resolutely continue its policy designed to increase active cooperation with the Islamic world. In connection with this I consider a broad discussion of the initiative of King of Saudi Arabia Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud on the development of interregional dialogue essential, especially given the significance of religion in international affairs. Along with this I am convinced that the realization of the Russian idea of a consultative council of religions under the auspices of the UN would strengthen moral principles in international politics, help deepen inter-faith communication, and the dialogue between civilizations more generally.
The illusion of a unipolar world is receding before our very eyes. And forums like yours can make a significant contribution to the search for ways to improve the situation in the world and achieve a new level of global partnership.
I am confident that active cooperation between Russia and the Islamic world will help build a more equitable system of international relations in which the use of force will definitively cease to act as a universal tool for resolving all problems that arise.”
President of Tatarstan Mintimer Shaimiyev who is participating in the session read out the greeting.
The meeting of the ”Russia – Islamic World“ Strategic Vision Group is being held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.