Intensive contacts with OIC is Russia's strategic priority

"This is not a question of opportunism but a strategic line in our foreign policy," Popov, who is also the presidential envoy for Russian-OIC ties, told Interfax in the run-up to an OIC conference in Baku in which Russia will, for the first time, take part as an observer.

This policy is not related to the recent negative remarks leveled at Moscow by certain Western politicians, Popov said.

"Along with the threat of proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and the threat of international terrorism, the third threat is taking shape now - the danger of a split in the world along religion and civilization. In fact, an undeclared cold war between the West and the Islamic world is already under way," Popov said.

Russia has a long tradition of coexistence between Orthodox and Muslims, and, therefore, Russia could help stave off a negative scenario, Popov said.

"Russia should play the role of a bridge between civilizations, because it is important now not to allow the split I have just mentioned," he said.

Russia and OIC member-states are in close cooperation in various areas, including in fighting terrorism, he said.

"Without Islamic states and without the Muslims themselves, it is absolutely impossible to deal with the terrorist threat," the diplomat said. He called for using all possible levers in this area.

Russia intends to expand its cooperation with the OIC countries in the economic, cultural, and other areas, he said.

"At the end of this year or at the start of next, we will announce substantial and comprehensive joint initiatives with the Islamic world. Preparations are underway now," Popov said.