Russia; Muslim World’s Reliable Friend, Partner

The Islamic world can view Moscow as a reliable friend and partner ready to provide assistance in solving pressing problems, said the Russian President Vladimir Putin.

He made the remarks in his address to the participants of the meeting of the Group of Strategic Vision “Russia-Islamic World” on Friday.

“The agenda of our meeting – that’s important issues, many of which are directly linked with events happening in a number of Muslim countries and no doubt that they are high-profile,” he said.

The Russian president noted that terrorists are trying to destabilize the situation in the region. “A powerful blow to terrorists was dealt with Russia’s participation,” he said. “However, terrorists and their accomplices are still trying to destabilize the situation in the region doing their utmost to block international efforts on peaceful settlement.”

“For the Islamic world, Russia will always be a reliable friend and partner ready to provide assistance in solving pressing problems,” Putin stressed. “We back active support of Muslim countries on strengthening the principle of justice and the rule of law in international relations.”

The Russian leader expressed hope that the current meeting would “contribute to enhancing cooperation between Russia and Muslim countries,” the Tass news agency reported.

The session of the Group of Strategic Vision “Russia – Islamic World” is taking place in Kazan on May 25-28.

Among participants in the session are representatives of 30 countries and leading Russian experts.