Saudi Arabia is playing a positive role in fighting terrorism, Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov said Wednesday.

He led a senior Tatar delegation that met with high-profile Saudi businessmen and leaders of the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI) at the Permanent Mission of the Russian Federation to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

Minnikhanov told Arab News that Tatarstan is doing its utmost against terrorism, and called for joint efforts because terrorism is a global issue.

He said it is important to tackle misconceptions of Islam because it is a peaceful religion.

The Tatar delegation and Saudi businessmen were welcomed by Russian Ambassador Oleg Ozerov and Consul General Ruslan Ramazanov in Jeddah.

Minnikhanov said the Russian federation, of which Tatarstan is a part, has a clear position that terrorism must be jointly fought by all means to preserve civilization.

“We will attempt to continue doing everything possible to further strengthen ties and cooperation between Russia and the Russian people with countries of the Islamic world. Our visit here is taking place in this framework,” he added.

Minnikhanov said the agenda of the trip was to meet with King Salman and other Saudi leaders, as well as ministers, the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) and businessmen in order to develop trade and economic ties. “I believe that we are on the path to success,” he added.

Minnikhanov said the OIC is very important to the Islamic world and to Russian Muslims. The OIC sectary general confirmed his intention to attend the third meeting of the Russia-Islamic World Strategic Vision Group on May 17 in Chechnya.

Adnan Hasan Mandourah, CEO of the Masfag Academy and a JCCI member, welcomed the Tatar delegation.

He said it was a great opportunity for Saudi businessmen to know about trade and economic capacity and potential in Tatarstan.

Taliya Minullina of the Tatarstan investment development agency delivered a presentation on Tatar tourism and trade.  

Source : Arab News