(MENAFN)
Russia has kicked off a major international summit in Kazan aimed at boosting economic cooperation with the Islamic world. The 16th annual "Russia–Islamic World: KazanForum" is taking place from May 13 to 18 in Tatarstan’s capital and has attracted participants from a record-breaking 103 countries.

Themed "Digitalization and the New Reality," the forum includes over 140 business sessions and approximately 200 events. Formal business discussions begin Thursday.

In a statement to attendees, Russian President Vladimir Putin highlighted the country’s continued expansion of international partnerships despite global tensions. He emphasized that deeper cooperation can help combat terrorism, extremism, and regional instability.

This year’s gathering is set to include ministers from a broad range of countries such as Malaysia, Iraq, Qatar, Kazakhstan, and Nigeria, alongside ambassadors from over 20 nations. Last year’s event saw more than 20,000 participants from 87 countries.

Andrey Belyaninov, head of the Eurasian and African Peoples’ Assembly, noted that representatives from Western countries are also involved. He described the event as a precursor to the upcoming World Public Assembly, scheduled to be held in Moscow in September 2025.

The forum will also focus on enhancing the International North–South Transport Corridor (INSTC), a 7,200-kilometer trade route linking India, Iran, Russia, and Europe through a combination of sea, rail, and road networks.

Organizers expect several international agreements to be signed during the event.

MENAFN22052025000045015687ID1109582118