Baghdad, Iraq- Russia confirmed that its energy investments in Iraq have reached $19 billion, strengthening its economic ties with the country. Officials highlighted the growing cooperation between Russia and Islamic nations, including Iraq, ahead of the Kazan Forum 2025.
The 16th International Economic Forum “Russia – Islamic World: Kazan Forum” will take place from May 13 to 18. This platform will focus on trade, investment, and cultural collaboration between Russia and the Islamic world. The strong partnership between Russia and Iraq will be a major topic of discussion.
Russia’s economic engagement with Islamic nations has increased significantly. Last year, trade between Russia and Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) members grew by 30%. This upward trend is expected to continue, with Iraq playing a key role in expanding energy and business ties.
The oil and gas sector remains central to Russia’s partnership with Iraq. Russian companies have invested heavily in Iraq’s energy sector, reaching $19 billion in total investments. This sector leads the way in trade and economic relations between the two countries.
Cultural and scientific ties between Iraq and Russia are also developing rapidly. Thousands of Iraqi students are enrolled in Russian universities, and advanced training programs support Iraqi professionals. Russia has intensified efforts to build long-term relationships in education and research.
Last year’s Kazan Forum gathered more than 20,000 participants, including representatives from 87 countries. The event facilitated 120 agreements and featured over 180 discussions on trade, finance, and technology. The upcoming forum aims to build on this success by promoting new business opportunities.
Kazan Forum 2025 will feature over 100 sessions covering international cooperation, business, finance, transport, technology, healthcare, and media. One of the key highlights will be the first-ever conference of OIC Ministers of Culture in Russia. Kazan has been chosen as the Islamic cultural capital for 2026, further strengthening Russia’s connection with Islamic nations.
Another major event at the forum will be the Arab Association for Financial Sciences and Investment’s conference. This gathering will focus on Islamic finance, investment, and sustainable development, marking a milestone for business cooperation between Russia and Iraq.
Transportation and logistics will also be a major focus. The forum will include discussions on the North-South international transport corridor and agreements on infrastructure development. Real estate exhibitions, trade fairs, and cultural events will further enhance cooperation between Russia and OIC countries.
Russia sees the Kazan Forum as a powerful platform for business and economic expansion. Talia Minullina, Head of the Investment Development Agency of the Republic of Tatarstan, emphasized the forum’s motto: “Trust and Cooperation.” She noted that this event fosters real partnerships and paves the way for joint projects.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov highlighted Iraq’s role in Russia’s regional development strategy. Over 450 Iraqi diplomats have already trained at the Russian Foreign Ministry’s Diplomatic Academy. Iraq and Russia can also collaborate on infrastructure projects, including the Development Path initiative, which involves modernizing over 1,200 kilometers of railway networks.
Lavrov reaffirmed that the Kazan Forum has become the leading platform for business cooperation between Russia, Iraq, and other Islamic nations. The forum aims to strengthen Russia’s role as a key partner for economic and cultural engagement in the Islamic world.
