Khoja Akbar Turajonzodah

Member of the Upper Chamber of Parliament of Tajikistan

"Russia" and "Islamic world" are two most important segments of the modern international relations. Russia and the Islamic world are not only of geographical and economic value, they are both politically and spiritually strong and vast. In other words, these two segments are accumulating huge global potential. The presence of this huge joint potential implies important role, high responsibility for the fortune of the mankind.

I believe that both Russia and the Islamic world should overcome the psychological barrier, about the thought that the fate of the modern world is decided only in the West, or somewhere overseas, but Russia and the Islamic World, as well as their joint positions, can determine the further course of modern international processes, their character and content.

Thus, Russia and the Islamic world can destroy the existing stereotype about so-called “world community”, which includes just several countries, that are not even one-fourth of the combined potential of the international community. Of course, this question has already been rationally and logically realized, now we just should reconsider this on psychological level.

Therefore, I should mention, that recently the political leadership of the Russian Federation has been demonstrating that they clearly understand Russia’s role and responsibility in the modern world. This should be carried out by certain actions and effective cooperation in the format of “Russia-the Islamic world”. Thus, using given opportunity, I not only welcome these active steps of Russia leadership, but also call up for more active and independent positions to resolve a set of deep international problems in the Middle East, Afghanistan, Iraq etc.

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I think that the position of our Muslim brothers in the Russian Federation is unique. At first glance, the Muslims of Russia are presented as a minority with all the problems in this regard. But a realistic analysis of their life shows that they have unique freedoms and opportunities, that even Muslims of CIS countries can envy them.

Comprehensive integration with Russian society and preservation of territorial integrity of democratic and capable Russia for Russian Muslims are of great importance, especially in the regard of ensuring their religious rights and freedoms. Having learnt a bitter lesson of the civil war and passed a complicated process of peaceful settlement in Tajikistan, I sincerely ask my Muslim brothers in Russia to do their best to preserve the unity, stability and territorial integrity of Russia. First of all I address our distinguish colleagues – Religious boards of Muslims not to support any separatist tendencies but to explain constantly the Muslim Ummah of Russia all the benefits and privileges of their life as a part of Russia,  compared with Muslims of other CIS countries.

Thank you for your attention.