His Excellency Rustam Minnikhanov, President of the Republic of Tatarstan (Russian Federation), affirmed the enhancement of cooperation with the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO). This came during a meeting held on Thursday 15 May 2025, with Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General, alongside a number of Ministers of Culture and heads of delegations participating in the Congress of the Minister of Culture of Islamic World Countries, held under the theme:“ Cultural Dialogue As A Foundation For Maintaining Identity And Diversity In The Multipolar World”, convened in Kazan with the participation of 37 countries, as part of the international economic forum Russia – Islamic World: Kazan Forum 2025.

President Minnikhanov expressed his delight at the designation of Kazan as a Capital of Culture in the Islamic World for 2026, under ICESCO’s Capitals of Culture Program. He emphasized that hosting the Congress of the Minister of Culture of Islamic World Countries is part of the broader efforts to strengthen ties between Russia and ICESCO Member States. He also praised ICESCO’s initiatives in this context and the close and fruitful cooperation between his country and the Organization.

President Minnikhanov further noted that the celebration will include a year-long series of major cultural events and activities. He extended an open invitation for wide participation in these events, which aim to highlight and celebrate the rich civilizational and cultural heritage of the Tatar capital.

For his part, Dr. AlMalik expressed his gratitude to President Minnikhanov for the warm reception and generous hospitality. He commended the important role Tatarstan plays in the strategic relations between the Islamic world and the Russian Federation. He also reaffirmed ICESCO’s commitment to ensuring the success of the Kazan Capital of Culture celebration, which recognizes the City’s longstanding legacy of coexistence, cultural vitality, and steadfast dedication to building bridges between peoples and cultures.