Russia to expand security cooperation with Islamic countries: Lavrov

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov asserted on Monday that his country intends to maintain the development of security and economic cooperation with the Islamic states, with the aim to fortify its partnership with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). 

At a meeting with OIC Secretary-General Hissein Brahim Taha, Lavrov said, "Russia and the states of Islamic civilization are long-standing reliable partners, cooperating in ensuring security and stability, and in solving economic problems… we aim to further strengthen our cooperation with the OIC states in all areas while respecting your socio-political ways and traditional spiritual and moral values."

Lavrov emphasized that in the current "complicated" international scene, Russia appreciates that the Islamic world hasn't "compromised its independence" and remained committed to the principle of the states' sovereign equality, in addition to expanding respect for the cultural diversity and building international relations on the basis of international law. 

Taha simultaneously expressed that "Russia is an old friend of ours, I am very glad to have an opportunity to come here today to look at the current state of our relations. When we met in June, the situation was more difficult, but now we can say that the world is slowly beginning to understand what is happening. And now, I think, is a great moment for us to clearly express our friendship toward Russia and the need to further develop our relationship." 

Back in April, the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization declared its intention to work on space technology with Russia alongside strengthening economic development in Africa and Asia.