The President’s message reads, in particular:
“Throughout the centuries Russia, which is home to millions of people who follow the traditions of Islam, has been closely linked to the Islamic world by multi-faceted ties. Today, our country is rapidly developing its cooperation with Muslim countries, building up economic, humanitarian and cultural ties. This kind of partnership, built on the principles of respect and openness, serves the interests of stability and security in the world and is an example of civilised dialogue.
I am certain that your meeting will create new opportunities for developing productive ties between public, business and religious organisations, and will help to consolidate our common position of opposing extremism and interethnic strife.
I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the multiethnic people of Tatarstan, in whose capital city this forum is taking place, on Republic Day.”