Khusnullin noted the growing number of regions at the Russia—Islamic World Forum

Every year, many regions of the Russian Federation join the Russia—Islamic World Forum. This was stated on May 15 by Deputy Chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation Marat Khusnullin, answering a question from Izvestia.

"The participation of the regions is expanding from year to year. Traditionally, regions where the majority of the population professes Islam take part in this event. This has already happened historically," he said.

Khusnullin added that the regions reunited with Russia are also becoming participants in the forum. This is how they attract investments.

"Our reunified regions take part in this forum year after year and are engaged in attracting investments. By the way, I should note that direct contacts have already been established, and they have interested investors who are ready to invest in the development of the reunified regions," the Deputy Prime Minister said.

He also stressed that the forum helps to develop horizontal ties between the subjects of Russia and the countries of Central Asia. According to Khusnullin, this cooperation affects the development of trade turnover between the states.

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Kirill Sapozhenkov, Deputy Director of the Russian Foreign Ministry's Department for Relations with the subjects of the Federation, Parliament and Public Associations, said on May 13 that over the past 10 years, Russia's trade turnover with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) states has increased fivefold and reached almost $160 billion. According to the diplomat, Russia and Muslim countries cooperate in infrastructure projects, the supply and production of halal products, and Islamic banking.