Moscow-SANA

With the participation of Syria, the fourteenth International Economic Forum "Russia and the Islamic World" kicked off in the Russian city of Kazan today. Kazan Forum 2023".

The first sessions of the Forum began work this morning, and some 200 events are scheduled to be held within the framework of the Forum.

In a message, Russian President Vladimir Putin welcomed the participants to the forum, saying: "I welcome you on the occasion of the opening of the XIV World Economic Forum in Kazan, once again the capital of the Republic of Tatarstan warmly welcomes guests from many countries, confirming its position as a reliable and sought-after place for large-scale business activities."

Putin noted that Russia has traditionally enjoyed close relations with Islamic countries on a bilateral basis and within the framework of interaction with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, stressing that these relations are based on partnership and respect for each other's sovereignty and civilizational identity.

"Today, Islamic countries are actively developing and making tangible achievements in trade, the financial sector, innovation, scientific and applied research, and Russia is open to the greatest possible trade and humanitarian cooperation with them," Putin said.

The Russian president noted that his country is interested in strengthening existing relations and finding new partners, strengthening agricultural and industrial cooperation and creating new transport and logistics chains.

Putin expressed confidence that the Russia-Islamic World Strategic Vision Group and the Kazan Forum will continue to strengthen interaction between the business communities of Russia and Islamic countries, and will open up new opportunities for joint projects at the regional and interstate level.

The forum will be held from May 18 to 20 at the Kazan Expo, and is expected to bring together more than 7,85 people from 84 countries of the world and <> regions of the Russian Federation.

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