OIC and Russian Federation reiterate increased bilateral cooperation

(MENAFN- Emirates News Agency (WAM)) The Secretary-General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, OIC, Iyad Ameen Madani, has emphasised the need to advance cooperation between the Islamic world and the Russian Federation, while speaking at a meeting of the Russia-Islamic World Strategic Vision Group in Moscow recently.

In the opening ceremony of the meeting, attended by religious scholars and politicians from both Russia and Muslim countries, Madani reviewed the historic relations between Russia and the Muslim world and highlighted major areas of cooperation between the two sides.

The Secretary-General said that strengthening relations between the OIC and Russia is necessary to not only address common challenges but also to create hope and promising opportunities for people.

Madani separately met with the President of the Republic of Tatarstan, Rustam Minnihanov, on the sidelines of the conference, as well as with a core group of Muslim leaders from across Russia. Discussions centered around issues relating to Muslims in the country.

Madani also met Russian Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov. During the meeting, both sides extensively discussed crucial regional and international challenges. They further pledged their continued cooperation and coordination in addressing issues of mutual concern and interest.

The Russian Federation has been an observer member of the OIC since 2005.