"The Islamic factor" is economy and policy.

"With many of these states co-operation was adjusted even in the days of the Soviet Union. Why cannot we renew economic relations with them in view that the OIC member-states have more than two thirds of world reserves of hydrocarbonic raw material and energy carriers and their influence on world politics and economy is essential?" - M.Shaimiev told Interfax. Thus he added that non-use of these factors would be at least "political shortsightedness".

M.Shaimiev noted that Tatarstan, except for petroleum, could sell planes and helicopters, automobiles "KamAZ" and even oil recovery technologies.

"It is necessary to develop relations with the OIK member-states that will allow us to involve investments, the more so as the OIC has independent co-ordinating organisations, among them there is the centre of trade development, fund of development, commercial and industrial chamber, and the Islamic bank of development is called an analogue of the World bank", - M.Shaimiev underlined.

In his opinion, broader economic relations with the OIC member-states would further the development of traditions of tolerance and interaction of cultures.

In Russia, he reminded, there are about 20 million Moslems. And despite the fact that the religion in our country is officially separated from the state, for believers irrespective of their religion there should be no borders. "In the territory of Russia, Islam and Christianity during the millennia co-existed peacefully, and this is a unique phenomenon. The wide experience of collective interaction of various cultures and civilisations as it takes place in our country should be used in interests of all mankind", - M.Shaimiev said.

He also said that in Russia, as well as all over the world, the Islamic factor has become more appreciable. And if earlier there existed the word "islamofobia", now it is outspoken that our country is a part of the Moslem world.

In this connection, M.Shaimiev declared that the initiative of head of the state Vladimir Putin on development of relations with the OIC and also the idea of Russia's receiving the observer status are only welcomed.

M.Shaimiev highlighted that it is very important that the majority of the OIC member-states had backed the Russian President's initiative.

"In the modern world 'the Islamic factor' is economy and policy", - M.Shaimiev emphasised.

He said that on the eve of the month of Ramadan he met the clergy of Moslems of the republic, and during that meeting he expressed complete support of the position of the President of the Russian Federation.