While the situation in the Middle East is heading toward prolonged conflicts and increasing instability, preparations are in full swing in Russia for the KazanForum International Economic Forum "Russia – Islamic World," which will take place in May. The timing is considered particularly symbolic, as a planned international event coincides with deep geopolitical and economic realignments. The forum aspires to function as a platform for strengthening cooperation between Russia and the countries of the Islamic world, at a time when the global balance of power is being redefined.
As early as 2022, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin characterized the forum as a unique opportunity to strengthen multi-level cooperation, develop business relations, and highlight investment opportunities. Today, under the weight of international developments, these goals acquire even greater significance. International media point out that recent conflicts have accelerated geopolitical shifts. The war in Iran, according to analyses, highlighted the limits of neutrality, even for countries that traditionally relied on Western influence.
At the same time, the trend toward a more multipolar world is strengthening, with Russia attempting to consolidate its role as an autonomous pole of power. Moscow has systematically strengthened its ties with Islamic countries, leveraging both geopolitical and cultural elements. Islam constitutes the second-largest religion in the country, a fact that acts as a bridge for communication and cooperation with the wider Islamic world.
More than 60 countries have already confirmed their participation in this year's forum, including the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Iran, Kyrgyzstan, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The program includes business meetings, international exhibitions, cultural activities, and specialized forums.
Particular weight is given to the diplomatic dimension, as contacts are organized through intergovernmental committees and high-level partnerships. Turkey remains one of Russia's key economic partners, while trade with the countries of Central Asia and the Persian Gulf is recording a significant increase.
At the same time, trade and investment ties are being strengthened with countries such as the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, while new partnerships are being developed with Southeast Asian economies, such as Indonesia and Malaysia.
Central axes of cooperation include energy, transportation, technology, the defense industry, and food security. At the same time, Russia seeks to attract investment capital from Persian Gulf countries as part of the restructuring of its economy toward new markets.
The KazanForum thus emerges as a tool of geo-economic strategy, reflecting the transition toward a multipolar world, where international partnerships are redefined and new axes of power are formed.
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