KazanForum draws record 103 countries to boost Russia-Islamic world ties

KazanForum attracts participants from 103 countries, focusing on economic cooperation, cultural dialogue, and diplomacy between Russia and the Islamic world

KAZAN, Tatarstan Republic (MNTV) – The 16th annual Russia-Islamic World: KazanForum took place in Kazan, capital of Russia’s Tatarstan Republic, bringing together participants from a record 103 countries. 

Running from May 13 to 18, the event included over 140 conferences and nearly 200 activities under the theme “Digitalization and the New Reality.”

President Vladimir Putin sent a message highlighting Russia’s ongoing efforts to expand global ties despite challenges, emphasizing that deeper dialogue and partnerships can help counter terrorism, extremism, and local conflicts.

This year’s forum drew a high-level international presence, including ministers from Malaysia, Iraq, Qatar, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Chad, Indonesia, Pakistan, Nigeria, Senegal, Somalia, and Guinea-Bissau, along with ambassadors from more than 20 countries.

This follows last year’s event, which hosted over 20,000 participants from 87 countries.

Discussions focused on expanding trade routes like the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), which connects India, Iran, Azerbaijan, Russia, Central Asia, and Europe through a multimodal transport network. 

Several international agreements are expected to be signed during the forum.

Afghanistan and Russia signed five memoranda of understanding (MoUs) in several areas, including transportation, trade, and gas exploration.

Russian Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Alexey Overchuk and Afghan Deputy Prime Minister Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar met on the sidelines of the event, where they signed the MoUs.

Culture, sports, and fashion events

Simultaneously, the 14th session of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Ministers of Culture met in Kazan, where cultural dialogue was emphasized as key to preserving identity and fostering peaceful coexistence within the Islamic world. 

Kazan’s designation as the 2025 Cultural Capital of the Islamic World was celebrated as a symbol of growing Russia-Muslim cooperation.

Nine Russian and foreign designers also presented their collections at the “Modest Fashion Day” event held during the forum. 

Designers include Margo Avayan (Marga), Khammatova Alfiya and Gulfiya (Minzifa) from Russia, Atiya Khan (Arizai by Atiya) from Pakistan, Danjyo Hiyoji and Michael Simiadi from Indonesia, Umed Kuchkaliev from Tajikistan, Shehna Hussain from the UAE, Amal al Raisi from Oman, Haifa Abdulla and Gills Manjulakshmi (Aadima) from Qatar.

Alongside the main forum, the 9th Forum of Young Diplomats of the OIC gathered 50 participants from around 20 countries. 

The event provided a platform for future diplomats to build networks and discuss themes like global security and the evolving role of diplomacy.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov described Russia as a “civilization-state,” underscoring its distinct identity and longstanding ties with the Islamic world. 

Activities also included cultural events and friendly matches, highlighting the spirit of international cooperation.

Participants from countries including Russia, Cameroon, Sierra Leone, Guinea-Bissau, the Republic of Guinea, Iran, Oman, and Morocco took part in a friendly football match against a team of former professional players. 

Big names included former Russian star Aleksandr Mostovoy, famous goalkeeper Ruslan Nigmatullin, South African midfielder Macbeth Sibaya, and Turkish winger Gokdeniz Karadeniz.

In a notable side meeting, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim met Russia’s Grand Mufti Sheikh Ravil Gaynutdin to deepen ties between Muslim communities, focusing on strengthening Islamic institutions and expanding halal industry cooperation. 

The exchange included the gifting of Qur’ans symbolizing shared faith and cultural respect.