Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: Government of the Russian Federation – Government of the Russian Federation –
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Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin chaired the first meeting of the organizing committee for the preparation and holding of the International Economic Forum "Russia – Islamic World: KazanForum" in 2026.
The event was attended by Advisor to the President of Russia Anton Kobyakov, Head of the Republic of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov, as well as representatives of federal ministries and agencies.
"KazanForum has once again confirmed its status as an important platform strengthening the partnership between Russia and the countries of the Islamic world. Our dialogue is based on shared interests and deep mutual respect. Last year's business program brought together approximately 8,500 representatives from 96 countries and 82 regions of Russia. Participants were widely represented, including countries from the CIS, the Middle East, Africa, and South and Southeast Asia. Next year, the forum will be held in Kazan on May 14–15. It will be held at the federal level for the fourth time. And with Kazan set to receive the status of 'Cultural Capital of the Islamic World 2026,' the forum takes on particular significance. Our work must be focused on concrete results, and our shared goal is to hold this event at the highest level. I am confident that KazanForum will continue to serve as a bridge that facilitates even greater rapprochement between Russia and Muslim countries," said Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Organizing Committee Marat Khusnullin.
The meeting also summarized the results of the 2025 forum. The business program included approximately 200 events, resulting in the signing of approximately 130 agreements. Key outcomes include the growth of the halal financial products market, increased trade with countries of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and the opening of an office in Kazan for the AAOIFI, the international organization for Islamic finance standards. Other areas such as the international exhibition Russia Halal Expo and the unique real estate platform International Property Market also continue to thrive.
"We see growing interest from our domestic and international colleagues in the International Economic Forum 'Russia – Islamic World: KazanForum.' Today, the forum serves as a venue for meeting, dialogue, and cooperation between Russia and the Islamic world. This year, KazanForum welcomed participants from 96 countries and 82 regions of Russia. The event was covered by over 500 media outlets from 20 countries. I would like to emphasize that the upcoming KazanForum 2026 will be held as part of a significant event: Kazan's status as the cultural capital of the Islamic world. I am confident that this event should be reflected in the 2026 forum's agenda," noted Rustam Minnikhanov, Head of the Republic of Tatarstan and Deputy Chairman of the Organizing Committee.
Anton Kobyakov, Advisor to the President of Russia and Executive Secretary of the Organizing Committee, noted that holding the International Economic Forum "Russia – Islamic World: KazanForum" is a large-scale undertaking that utilizes all available tools to maintain dialogue and develop mutually beneficial cooperation with member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.
"In the context of ongoing geopolitical changes and the growth of Russia's foreign trade, maintaining and strengthening stable partnerships is key to transforming the Russian economy. The forum, which will be held in May 2026, is intended to become a platform for expanding Russia's cooperation with Islamic countries. Participants are particularly interested in bilateral sessions dedicated to developing intercountry ties across a wide range of issues. It is important to continue strengthening this dialogue by offering relevant topics for discussion during the forum's business and cultural events," emphasized Anton Kobyakov.
He also noted that meetings between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Arab leaders are scheduled for October 2025. Following these talks, a foundation will be laid for organizing Kazan Forum business missions to countries in the Arab region. The main objective is to present real opportunities for investment and joint projects and identify priority areas for cooperation. The results of the business missions will form the basis for the substantive discussions of the KazanForum business program in 2026.
The International Economic Forum "Russia – Islamic World: KazanForum" has been held in Kazan annually since 2009. The key objective of the event is to develop economic, trade, and socio-cultural relations between Russia and Islamic countries.
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