Rustam Minnikhanov: Tatarstan and Islamic Development Bank established good relations

On June 15, at his meeting with President of Islamic Development Bank Ahmed Mohamed Ali Al-Madani within the framework of the 7th International economic summit of Russia and OIC «KAZANSUMMIT-2015», Interim President of the Republic of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov said that Tatarstan and Islamic Development Bank established good relations.

Russian Foreign Ministry's Ambassador-at-large Konstantin Shuvalov, First Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Tatarstan Aleksei Pesoshin, and Aide to Tatarstan President Radik Gimatdinov took part in the meeting.

Rustam Minnikhanov thanked Ahmed Mohamed Ali Al-Madani for his assistance in strengthening relations of the republic with the Islamic Development Bank Group. He also reminded that the session of Russia-Islamic World Strategic Vision Group was held in Moscow four days ago. By the order of Russian President Vladimir Putin Rustam Minnikhanov heads the group.

“Historically Islam has been one of traditional religions in Russia, with 20 million Muslims living in the country, and resumption of work of the vision group aims to make Russia and Islamic countries closer on the basis of cultural and civilized principles, strengthen mutual understanding and trust between countries and nations,” Rustam Minnikhanov said.

He continued that a number of events are being held in the republic on the occasion of the group session, namely, “Izge Bolgar zhyeny” holiday dedicated to official adoption of Islam in Volga Bulgaria in 922, the 7th International economic summit of Russia and OIC «KAZANSUMMIT-2015», the first international Kazan forum of young businessmen of OIC countries, and summer youth camp of innovations for dialogue and cooperation.

Rustam Minnikhanov thanked Ahmed Mohamed Ali Al-Madani for cooperating with Russian Islamic University, Muslim Spiritual Board of the Republic of Tatarstan, Ak Bars Bank and Tatarstan Investment Development Agency. He also suggested holding a session of OIC permanent committee for trade and economic cooperation in Kazan.

Ahmed Mohamed Ali Al-Madani thanked Rustam Minnikhanov for warm reception and noted that he appreciates friendly relations with the republic. “We will do our best to make Tatarstan and Islamic Development Bank reliable partners,” he said.

Ahmed Mohamed Ali Al-Madani is willing to be the main partner in developing Islamic banking in Russia and organizing courses for employees of banks and financial organizations.