KUALA LUMPUR: Muslim nations can learn from countries like Russia, which has become a leading grain producer and exporter, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (pic).
He said Muslim nations must forge alliances with friendly countries to effectively tackle food security challenges.
He added that in the last few years, Russia has made unprecedented and remarkable progress in terms of becoming a leading grain producer and exporter, helping to reduce global food security challenges.
Anwar also said it is important to integrate economic collaboration into Islamic values, adding that issues like hunger and poverty contradict the principles of truth, justice and fairness espoused by Islam.
“We must move beyond merely priding ourselves on the values of Islam while grappling with basic issues like poverty and hunger.
“Strengthening food supply chains and fostering economic partnerships is key to addressing these challenges effectively,” he said at the opening ceremony of the Strategic Vision Group: Russia-Islamic World conference here yesterday.
The conference, hosted by the Rais (head) of Tatarstan, is part of ongoing efforts to foster deeper alliances between Russia and the Islamic world.
Anwar also reflected on past initiatives that have strengthened ties between Russia and the Islamic world, citing a 2003 proposal by Russian President Vladimir Putin during a special Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) conference in Malaysia.
“These initiatives have laid a foundation for fruitful deliberations and a shared understanding among nations,” he said.
Anwar said Malaysia’s recent decision to join the BRICS bloc is a step towards forging new alliances in a multipolar world.
Such collaborations enable Muslim nations to assert their rights independently while addressing global challenges collectively, he noted.
He also underscored the potential of cultural and economic collaborations between Russia and the Muslim world, drawing attention to Russia’s history of engagement with Islamic countries.
He referenced Russian writer Leo Tolstoy’s novel Hadji Murat as an example of empathy and understanding towards the aspirations of the people of Tatarstan.
“This rich history strengthens the basis for deeper cultural ties,” he said.
Education and technology are other critical areas for cooperation, he added.
He pointed to the Russian-Malaysian High-Tech Centre as an example of successful collaboration, particularly in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) fields.
He expressed optimism that Russia’s technological expertise could enhance the effectiveness of Islamic financial institutions, such as syariah-compliant banks and takaful systems.
“This partnership must transcend beyond politics, encompassing robust economic and cultural exchanges,” he said.
