Preparations for the International Economic Forum ‘Russia – Islamic World: KazanForum-2026’ are drawing to a close in Kazan. The Head of Tatarstan, Rustam Minnikhanov, presented the results of these preparations at a meeting of the organising committee chaired by Russian Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin, reports Turkmenportal.

Minnikhanov announced that three intergovernmental commissions with Indonesia, Nigeria and Mali will take place as part of the forum. Tatarstan is also ready to host meetings of the co-chairs of intergovernmental commissions with Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan and Palestine, as well as a working group meeting with Malaysia.

The key themes of ‘KazanForum-2026’ will be Islamic finance, investment, the halal industry, culture, sport and the role of women in modern society. Kazan’s status as the cultural capital of the Islamic world lends particular significance to the forum. The programme includes a congress of culture ministers from the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). According to Minnikhanov, OIC member states account for around half of Tatarstan’s foreign trade turnover.

Anton Kobyakov, an adviser to the Russian President, announced that from 10 to 20 May, 24-hour consular offices for foreign participants will be operating at Moscow and Kazan airports.

The forum will take place from 12 to 17 May at venues in Kazan. The main business programme, comprising over 120 events, will be held on 14–15 May at the ‘Kazan Expo’ International Exhibition Centre. Representatives from over 60 countries and around 20 regions of Russia are expected to attend.

According to the organisers, Turkmenistan will present a national pavilion as part of the forum’s exhibition programme, showcasing investment projects and areas of bilateral cooperation.