Mintimer Shaimiev, «Emphasis should be placed upon support of intellestual forces»

Third session of strategic vision group «Russia – Islamic world» opened in Istanbul. Tatarstan President Mintimer Shaimiev is a co-chairman of the meeting.

Represenattives of about 20 countries, including ex-minister of external affairs of Turkey Yasar Yakis, secretary general of Islamic Conference organization Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, plenipotentiary representative of Russian President in Volga Federal District Alexander Konovalov take part in the conference.

Mintimer Shaimiev noted when he made a report, that Russian Federation and Islamic countries should place emphasis upon support of intellectual forces. «There is no prohibition of progress in Koran. Progress in knowledge should lead to all-rounded harmonious development», head of Tatarstan added. «Russia always occupied a special place in the Islamic world».