The grand opening of the 16th International Economic Forum "Russia — Islamic World: KazanForum" and the Russia Halal Expo exhibition took place at the Kazan Expo IEC. On behalf of the Government of the Russian Federation, Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin greeted the participants, noting that the main slogan of the forum was "Trust and Cooperation". "Strengthening mutual trust has become the foundation on which relations between Russia and Muslim countries are built today. Trust is a key factor in the development of our partnership, which covers all aspects of multifaceted cooperation and develops into a strong strategic partnership," the Deputy Prime Minister emphasized.

He also noted that "KazanForum" annually demonstrates its high efficiency, contributing to the strengthening of friendship and cooperation. The scale of the events, the number and representation of participants, the geography of the countries - all this suggests that Russia and Islamic states are united by deep respect for each other, which is the key to a successful future. Khusnullin noted the growth of trade turnover between the Russian Federation and the countries of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) - over the past four years it has increased by 44%. Over five years, the number of tourist trips between the Russian Federation and the OIC has increased by 26%.

Head of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov noted that the KazanForum has been held in the federal format for the third year. He thanked the President of Russia, Chairman of the Forum Organizing Committee Marat Khusnullin, all federal authorities, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and numerous delegates of the forum for their enormous support. “Over the years of its existence, KazanForum has become a unique platform for media representatives of international organizations, government bodies, financial organizations, businessmen, as well as top managers of foreign and Russian companies. <…> I invite everyone to take an active part in KazanForum and the Russia Halal Expo exhibition. I wish all participants a rich and successful program. Thank you all!” the Rais of RT addressed the guests.

The plenary session dedicated to the topic of digitalization will be held on the 16th of May. On the same day in the morning, a meeting of the strategic vision group “Russia - Islamic World”, headed by Rustam Minnikhanov, is scheduled.

ORIENT