On 11 December, opening the field meeting of the Strategic Vision Group “Russia-the Islamic world” in Kuala Lumpur , the Rais (Head) of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov, who came on a working trip to Malaysia, read out a welcoming address of Russian President Vladimir Putin, which said:

“The Russian Federation traditionally attaches great attention to the development of friendly bonds with Muslim countries both bilateral and within the framework of the dialogue with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. It is important that under today’s complicated international situation our position on important issues of regional and global agendas is rather close. The topic of today’s meeting of the Group – “The Interaction of Russia and the Islamic world in the era of the forming multi-polarity” also confirms this. In fact, we together act for the formation of a just democratic world order based on true equality and rule of the international law free from any discrimination, sanctions pressure and dictation.

The meeting will consider a wide range of issues and those related to settlement of regional conflicts and crises, while struggle against terrorist hazard should be given special consideration. It is important to think about coordination of efforts in education with the aim of counteracting the spreading of extremist ideology.

In the whole I am sure you will have constructive and informative discussions and the ideas and initiatives set forth by the Group will facilitate further development of mutually beneficial cooperation between our countries.”

In conclusion Vladimir Putin wished participants of the meeting success and all the best.