To the participants and guests of the International Conference "Russia and the Islamic World: Partnership for the Sake of Stability"

Dear Guests and Participants of the Conference!

Strengthening the friendship and cooperation with the Islamic world is one of the priorities and strategic direction of Russia’s foreign policy. It is gratifying that Russia’s obtaining the observer status in the Organisation of the Islamic Conference gave a new impetus to the constructive cooperation between our country and the Muslim states.

Today’s event is a good example of strengthening of effective cooperation between Russia and the Islamic world and it is good illustration as well of the increasing role of religious organizations in the building of inter-cultural and interfaith dialogue.

Russia and many Muslim countries have similar approach to important international and regional problems. We have mutual interest in widening and diversification of relations in economic and humanitarian spheres. We are also allies in fighting against terrorism and any political or religious extremism or other threats to the safety and sustainable development of the global community in the 21st century.

For sure, the conference will see free and interested discussion about widening cooperation in the spheres of  economics, culture and education, and the results will serve the development of effective dialogue between Muslim organizations of our country and cobelievers abroad.

There is no doubt, that the forum will give a new dynamics to our constructive cooperation in promotion of  humane values of Islam, strengthening of international and interfaith harmony, preserving peace and developing justice and democracy in the world.

I wish every success and fruitful work to the participants of the conference.

S.Lavrov