Rustam Minnikhanov, the Head of the Republic of Tatarstan, praised the efforts of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in strengthening the pillars of international security and peace, through the UAE’ adoption of initiatives that encourage the promotion of tolerance and peaceful coexistence.

"The UAE has become an example and a role model in this regard, and an oasis for coexistence between different nationalities," Minnikhanov said while hosting a delegation from the UAE recently.

The reception was held at the residence of the Head Tatarstan with guests from the UAE that included Dr. Omar Habtoor Al Darei, Chairman of the General Authority for Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat; and Dr. Khalifa Mubarak Al Dhaheri, Chancellor of the Mohamed Bin Zayed University for Humanities (MBZUH).

During the event, Minnikhanov awarded Republic’s Medal of Honour to the MBZUH in recognition of its role in supporting UAE’s initiatives on spreading the values of tolerance and coexistence around the world.

Meanwhile, religious leaders from the BRICS nations attending the 5th “Religious Silk Road: Significance of Religious Values in Greater Eurasia International Scientific and Theological” Conference in Kazan affirmed their support for efforts to achieve peace and stability around the world.

In their closing statement during the conference, which was jointly organised by the MBZUH and the Religious Administration of the Muslims of Russian Federation, they also emphasised the role of religions in enabling and promoting dialogue and harmonious coexistence, friendly relations among nations as well as mutual respect between different countries and religions.

The statement was made in the presence of Mufti Sheikh Rawi Ain al-Din, head of the Religious Administration of the Muslims of the Russian Federation and chairman of the Shura Council of Muftis of Russia; and the chancellor of the university.

During the event, delegates addressed a number of important topics to enhance the role of BRICS and help achieve its goals. In addition to highlighting the important role of religions in enabling and promoting dialogue and harmonious coexistence, attendees called on the leaders of the BRICS countries to further strengthen ties within the geopolitical and trade bloc to pursue mutually beneficial interests. Moreover, the statement called for more integration and cooperation between the BRICS countries on the basis of common religious and moral values, for the sake of reconstruction, taking into account the cultural and religious diversity of peoples.

The statement stressed that the Islamic religion, like other Abrahamic religions, does not tolerate terrorism or any of its forms, stressing that there is no justification for any terrorist act. In conclusion, the participants extended their sincere gratitude to the leadership of the Russian Federation, which chairs the BRICS group, and expressed their wishes for success for the upcoming summit, which will be held in the city of Kazan.

BRICS, which was established to facilitate trade and bilateral relations among member countries, also helps foster cultural and humanitarian ties. It has since grown to become an influential platform for cooperation.