KAZAN, May 15 – RIA "Dagestan". The XVII International Economic Forum "Russia – Islamic World: KazanForum" is underway in Kazan, featuring a plenary session of the Strategic Vision Group with a report by Zaur Askenderov, Chairman of the People's Assembly of Dagestan.
In his report "Dagestan in the Strategy of Spiritual-Political Integration of Russia with the Islamic World" Askenderov stressed that Russia and Muslim nations are natural allies, bound together not just by political and economic ties but by shared spiritual values. "We share common understandings of good and evil, family, justice and dignity. Dagestan, as a multi-confessional republic, is a living example of this unity" he said.
The parliamentary speaker highlighted Dagestan's historical role as the gateway through which Islam entered Russia more than fourteen centuries ago, referencing ancient Derbent, the country's oldest Juma Mosque and the burial site of the Sahaba. Regarding economic cooperation, Askenderov pointed out that Dagestan became a key logistics hub along the North-South corridor, with foreign trade turnover involving Islamic countries exceeding 60% in 2025.
He proposed hosting a session of the Strategic Vision Group "Russia – Islamic World" in Dagestan, adding that "spiritual kinship, tested over centuries, is a solid foundation for our shared multipolar future".
The session was also attended by Tatarstan's Head Rustam Minnikhanov, as well as Russian and international politicians, scientists, theologians and business leaders.