-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Putin's statement was made after meeting with Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohammad, and was motivated by the fact that over 20 million Muslims reside in Russia, which is more than the entire population of several OIC member countries, including Malaysia. Putin expressed the intention to join in the activity of the organization in some capacity during his meeting with Malaysian Vice Premier Abdul Badava, who will be the successor to Mohammad and, perhaps more importantly, the future chairman of the OIC. Therefore, Putin's statement took on the character of an official request to join in the very near future.
Indeed, perhaps everyone was surprised by these events except Russian Muslim leaders. Here is what the website Islam.ru said about the necessity of Russia increasing cooperation with the OIC back in February: 'Between 20-25 million Muslims reside in Russia. This is more than the entire population of several OIC member countries. In the past few years, a lot has been said about the Eurasian character of Russia. In connection with this character, the participation of Russian observers in the work of the OIC could very well become one of the driving forces of Russian foreign policy.'
http://www.rosbaltnews.com/2003/08/07/63687.html
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