The following article about the Kazan Forum is from the personal impressions of Suleiman Anta Ndiaye, Chief Representative of the International Movement of Russophiles (MDR/MIR) and the main representative of the organization in Africa.

My trips to Russia, ever since I completed my diplomatic mission in that country, are usually enjoyable. But the one that just took place – from May 11 to 23 in Moscow, Kazan and Saba (Tatarstan) was particularly enjoyable in every way.

Let me tell you about my trip

The organizers invited me as a speaker (panelist) at the 16th International Economic Forum in Kazan, entitled “Russia – Islamic World”, as Deputy Secretary General of the International Russophile Movement (IRM). I also spoke as president of the Forum for African Renaissance (FORA).

Of course, as a Senegalese citizen, I did not miss the opportunity to speak about my country whenever the occasion presented itself.

This year’s Forum in Kazan attracted some 22,000 participants from 104 countries and various regions of Russia.

In the various panel sessions, my first speech focused on partnership opportunities between Russian and African SMEs, with a special emphasis on the participation of companies based outside Moscow – in the regions – as well as on the joint venture format.

The second speech was a reflection on the prospects for strengthening African-Russian ties within the framework of various international organizations such as FAO, UNESCO, WHO and others.

Particularly in the second panel session, devoted to diplomatic relations, a rather lengthy debate broke out.

I think my speeches were a hit

It should be noted, without too much pride, that a lot of attention was shown to us after our presentations in Russian. They came as a to the surprise of many participants who had not expected it (from international speakers). The effect of surprise encouraged many to inquire about our professional path, country of origin, and we were happy to answer such questions, with a barely concealed desire to tell as much as possible about the topics raised.

This is the special charm of these international meetings, during which you try to “sell” the ideas you carry with you (in your heart and mind).

The exchange of business cards is a very popular practice here. Personally, I share them less and less often. I prefer to accept business cards and repeat the familiar phrase: “I don’t have any more…” – a small, innocent lie, which connoisseurs always forgive with a nice, sly smile….

(To be Continued…)

Image above: with Ambassador Sylvain Sambu and First Counselor Ndyaga Bey. Thank you to them for the attention they gave me throughout the trip.