Russia pledges closer ties with Islamic countries via OIC

Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov affirmed Moscow's commitment to strengthening relations with Islamic countries through the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) during a meeting with OIC ambassadors in Moscow on Monday, April 6. The meeting, also attended by Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin and Tatarstan leadership, focused on expanding economic trade, joint investments, and cooperation in culture, education, and science.

Lavrov emphasized that relations are built on mutual commitment to the UN Charter and the goal of a multipolar international order. The Russia-Islamic World Strategic Vision Group (GSV), established in 2006 after Russia gained OIC observer status, facilitates this dialogue. Many Arab and Muslim states consider Russia a friendly Western nation, with frequent leader communication and Putin's mediation in Middle East tensions.

The OIC, founded in 1969, is the world's second-largest intergovernmental body with 57 member states across four continents. This diplomatic push aims to create equitable ties free from discrimination, though specific new agreements or timelines were not announced.

[Note: This is foreign policy news with no direct, immediate impact on Nigerian citizens, markets, or daily life. The development reflects broader geopolitical realignments.]

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/04/06/russia-to-strengthen-relations-with-islamic-countries/