In the presence of H.E. Rustam Minnikhanov, Rais of the Republic of Tatarstan, a strategic cooperation agreement was signed between the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), represented by its Director-General, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, and the Ministry of Culture of Tatarstan, represented by its Minister, Ms. Irada Ayupova. The agreement was signed on Sunday, 8 February 2026, at the Russian House in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The agreement reflects a shared vision grounded in the belief in the role of culture as a bridge for civilizational dialogue, a driver of human coexistence, and an effective tool for building a future of understanding and complementarity. It aims to strengthen cultural exchange, support qualitative initiatives in education, culture, science, and creativity, and safeguard heritage in the Islamic world as a living archive of peoples and an essential component of their civilizational history.

The agreement also places particular emphasis on empowering youth and women through capacity building, promoting innovation, and advancing sustainable and social development, thereby reinforcing the role of human beings as both the focus and the ultimate goal of development.

Its provisions highlight the promotion of Kazan as the Cultural Capital in the Islamic World, and as a platform for cultural creativity and innovation, in a manner befitting its historical and civilizational standing, reflecting its deep presence in the cultural sphere of the Islamic world and its growing role in the coming years.

The signing ceremony was attended by a number of senior officials and prominent figures from the Republic of Tatarstan, underscoring the depth of cultural relations and marking a transition from cooperation to impactful partnership.

This cooperation comes as part of the preparations to celebrate Kazan as the 2026 Cultural Capital in the Islamic World. Throughout the year, the city will host an extensive cultural program and a range of qualitative activities that highlight youth potential, support creative initiatives, and strengthen cultural identity as the collective memory of peoples and a lasting source of civilizational development.