An international economic summit focused on strengthening ties between Russia and the Islamic world took place in Russia’s Tatarstan on May 13-18.
KazanForum, first launched in 2009 between Russia and Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) member states, was held for the 16th time this year.
Mufties Council of RBN of the Russian Federation reports that Tatarstan’s President Rustam Ristam Minnikhanov has said that representatives of 74 countries and 61 regions of the Russian Federation confirmed their participation in the forum.
KazanForum 2025 aimed to boost trade, economic, scientific, technical, social and cultural ties. The event reportedly brought together representatives of international organizations, public and financial institutions, embassy officials, politicians, investors and businesspeople, which hosted various events, including discussions on Islamic finance and the halal industry.
The forum reportedly explored practices in participation finance, a system that promotes sustainable development and fosters international cooperation.
This year, digital financial systems received special attention. A high-level meeting of the Strategic Vision Group “Russia–Islamic World” took place at the forum with participation from OIC representatives. The focus was on developing a joint digital financial system, potentially laying the groundwork for alternative international settlement mechanisms, including transactions in national currencies.
OIC’s press center reports that Mr. Hissein Brahim Taha, Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), extolled the role played by the Russia-Islamic World Strategic Vision Group as a leading platform for reinforcing mutual friendship, dialogue, and understanding between Russia and the Islamic World.
In an address delivered on his behalf by the OIC Political Affairs Director General to the annual meeting of the Russia-Islamic World Strategic Vision Group, he reportedly affirmed the OIC attachment to further contribute to the achievement of the Group’s goal in terms of advancing the joint interests, contributing to the creation of a world order based on the principles of sovereign equality of states, non-interference in their domestic affairs and respecting their sovereignty and territorial integrity. He stressed that the OIC calls for a more balanced world order, which guarantees international peace and security, justice, and equal opportunities for all countries’ development, and preserves their cultural, civilizational, and religious values.
He pointed out that the OIC is increasingly attaching importance to the youth. He added that the OIC General Secretariat supports the efforts and initiatives of the Republic of Tatarstan to advance cooperation in the areas of youth empowerment and sports development.
Islamic banking and finance are also among the forum’s key topics. Several conferences on Islamic financial products and banking are featured in the business program
A cooking competition was also held as part of the cultural program, with young chefs under the age of 25 from various countries set to compete.
The last year’s edition drew more than 20,500 participants from 87 countries.
"Russia — Islamic World: KazanForum" is the main platform for economic cooperation between the Russian Federation and the countries of the Islamic world. By decree of the President of the Russian Federation from 2023 the forum has received federal status.
The Forum has become a platform for strengthening trade and economic, scientific and technical, social and cultural ties between Russia and the countries of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
The growing role of Islamic countries in the global economy took center stage at KazanForum, which experts say is fast becoming a crucial venue for strategic dialogue and shaping a new global economic framework.
The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), representing more than a billion people, is steadily increasing its global economic influence. Recent developments have focused on expanding transport and logistics routes—particularly the North–South initiative that links Russia with Asia and the Middle East. Modernization of infrastructure is helping accelerate trade flows and unlock new markets.
Collaborative projects in industry and energy are already underway. These efforts have led to the creation of new transport corridors and the signing of key strategic agreements.
Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin said KazanForum provides a solid foundation for long-term partnerships, describing it as “a space for the convergence of ideas and initiatives grounded in a multipolar world and mutual trust.”
