Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Iyad Ameen Madani emphasized the need to advance cooperation between the Islamic world and the Russian Federation while speaking at a meeting of the Russia-Islamic World Strategic Vision Group in Moscow on June 11, 2015. In the opening ceremony of the meeting attended by religious scholars and politicians, both from Russia and Muslim countries, Madani reviewed the historic relations between Russia and the Muslim world and highlighted major areas of cooperation between the two sides. The Secretary General further reiterated that strengthening relations between the OIC and Russia is necessary to not only address common challenges but also create hope and promising opportunities for people. Madani separately met President of the Republic of Tatarstan Rustam Minnihanov on the sidelines of the conference, as well as with a core group of Muslim leaders from across Russia; discussions centered around issues relating to Muslims in the country. Madani also met in MoscowRussian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. During the meeting, both sides extensively discussed crucial regional and international challenges. They further pledged their continued cooperation and coordination in addressing issues of mutual concern and interest. The Russian Federation has, since 2005, been an observer member of the OIC.
