Kazan is the starting point of the XV International Economic Forum, "Russia - Islamic World: KAZANFORUM"

The XV International Economic Forum "Russia - Islamic World: KAZANFORUM 2024', traditionally held in Kazan, will begin its work with the opening of the Kazan Halal Market International Trade Fair. The business sessions with the participation of the leaders of the Forum's member countries will begin on 15 May.

The day before, Russian President Vladimir Putin welcomed the participants and guests of the KAZANFORUM.

Russia has a tradition of friendly relations with Muslim countries. We highly appreciate their aspirations to pursue an independent foreign policy and to increase their role in international affairs. We stand together for the formation of a democratic multipolar world order based on the rule of law and principles of justice, free from any form of dictatorship and discrimination. And, of course, we are determined to expand mutually beneficial cooperation in all areas - from trade and investment to sport and tourism.

We attach great importance to the next meeting of the Russia-Islamic World Strategic Vision Group, with the participation of representatives of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation. It is important that Russia's cooperation with this authoritative international structure on topical issues on the regional and global agenda is developing on an increasing scale,' Vladimir Putin said in his welcome address to the group.
- Vladimir Putin noted in his welcome message.

At a time of sanctions against Russia and growing tensions in the Middle East, the Kazan Forum has a special responsibility to expand and strengthen Russia's ties with the Muslim world. This was stated by Talia Minullina, head of the Investment Development Agency of Tatarstan.

The 2024 Forum will bring together over 20,000 guests from more than 80 countries, including delegations from Afghanistan, Abkhazia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Brazil, Cameroon, Iran, Jordan, Qatar, Kyrgyzstan, Libya, Malaysia, the United Arab Emirates, Pakistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Uganda and Qatar. More than 50 diplomats from embassies and consulates of OIC countries have also confirmed their attendance.

We are seeing an ever-increasing interest in the Forum from other countries and international organisations, and we are trying even harder to focus on quality. This is confirmed by the large number of guests and the geography of the participating countries.
- noted Talia Minullina.

Within the framework of the Forum's business programme, it is planned to work in twelve different areas:

1. International cooperation;
2. Islamic finance and investment;
3. Halal Industry;
4. Science and Technology;
5. Business;
6. Real Estate Exhibition;
7. People today and tomorrow;
8. Women's Outlook;
9. Tourism;
10. Culture;
11. Sport;
12. Economy.

It should be noted that KazanForum 2023 hosted 6 bilateral conferences: "Russia - Turkey", "Russia - Egypt", "Russia - Azerbaijan", "Russia - Uzbekistan", "Russia - Malaysia", "Russia - Iran". And 130 agreements and memoranda of understanding were signed. One of the key issues of last year's forum was the construction of the North-South international transport corridor, as Muslim countries are also interested in exporting Russian agricultural and halal products.