This year, the annual event is bringing together participants from over 100 countries

A major summit aimed at strengthening economic cooperation between Russia and the Islamic world has opened in Kazan, drawing participants from a record 103 countries.

The 16th international 'Russia-Islamic World: KazanForum' is running from May 13 to 18 in the capital of Tatarstan Republic, central Russia. Business sessions will officially start on Thursday, with more than 140 conferences and around 200 events scheduled under the main theme 'Digitalization and the New Reality', according to the organizers.

In a message to the participants, President Vladimir Putin said Russia continues to "successfully and consistently" expand its global ties despite the "challenging international environment." He added that "deepening dialogue and partnership" would help to effectively counter terrorism, extremism, and the escalation of local conflicts.

This year's forum is expected to attract a high-level international presence, including ministers from Malaysia, Iraq, Qatar, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Chad, Indonesia, Pakistan, Nigeria, Senegal, Somalia, and Guinea-Bissau, along with ambassadors from more than 20 countries. Last year's event hosted over 20,000 participants from 87 countries.

According to Andrey Belyaninov, secretary general of the Eurasian and African Peoples' Assembly, representatives from Western countries are also taking part. He said the forum will serve as a lead-up to the first World Public Assembly, set to be held in Moscow in September 2025.

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Forum participants will also discuss the expansion of cargo transit routes along the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) - a 7,200-kilometer multimodal network integrating sea, rail, and road transport to facilitate trade between India, Iran, Azerbaijan, Russia, Central Asia, and Europe.

Organizers say several international agreements are expected to be signed.

(RT.com)