Senior cleric emphasizes necessity of solidarity among Muslims to confront global challenges

Rustam Minnikhanov expressed his pleasure at the presence of representatives from Islamic countries at this meeting and in Kazan, which has been designated as the cultural capital of the Islamic world in 2025.
He described the theme of this meeting as "Dialogue of Cultures - The Basis for Preserving Identity and Diversity in a Multipolar World," emphasizing the importance of cultural dialogue for the solidarity of the Islamic world.
He stated, "Culture forms the basis of relations between nations and states, and preserving one's religious identity while experiencing peaceful coexistence with other religions, sects, and ethnicities is among the cultural foundations of every country and its people."
Minnikhanov also referred to the simultaneous holding of this meeting with the International Economic Forum "Russia - The Islamic World: Kazan Forum," which can provide an opportunity for closeness and friendship among representatives from other fields with the cultural domain.
The President of Tatarstan further remarked, "We are witnessing an increase in the pace of cooperation between Russia and Muslim countries, and we hope this closeness continues and deepens."
The head of the Islamic Culture and Communications Organization also expressed his satisfaction with the active participation of Russia and the Republic of Tatarstan in the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, highlighting that solidarity among Muslims and the Islamic world is crucial for addressing global challenges, combating occupation and genocide against Palestinians, and playing a role in the future multipolar world.
He added, "We aim to enhance our studies on the emerging future world and invite Muslim elites and scientific centers from Islamic countries to collaborate."
The head of the Islamic Culture and Communications Organization referred to the selection of Kazan as the cultural capital of the Islamic world, attributing it to the effective actions and fair positions of the President of Russia and the political and religious authorities of Tatarstan.
In conclusion, Hojjatoleslam Imani Pour addressed the BRICS alliance, which could help in moving away from a unipolar world in the future.
The meeting of the Ministers of Culture of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation was held on Thursday, May 15, concurrently with the Russia and the Islamic World forum known as the "Kazan Forum" in the city of Kazan, the capital of the Republic of Tatarstan.
The head of the Islamic Culture and Communications Organization delivered a speech at this meeting and separately met with religious and cultural figures from Russia and other countries.