ISTANBUL, Turkey: President Mamnoon Hussain Thursday joined leaders of Muslim World at opening session of 13th Islamic Summit of 56-member Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), being hosted by the Republic of Turkey here from April 14 to 15.
The opening session, attended by around 30 heads of government and state from OIC countries, was addressed by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey, Foreign Minister of Egypt Sameh Shoukry and OIC Secretary General Iyad Ameen Madani.
At the start of opening session, the Chairmanship of the 13th Islamic Summit was handed over to Turkey. Egypt was the chair of 12th Islamic Summit.
Earlier, upon arrival at the Istanbul Congress Center (ICC), the venue of 13th Islamic Summit, President Mamnoon Hussain was warmly received by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
The President also joined the leaders from OIC member countries at the family photo event.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, in his wide-ranging address, highlighted the challenges faced by Muslim world, particularly terrorism and extremism, and called for unified efforts through a joint strategy to tackle this menace for peace in the world.
He called for enhanced cooperation among the OIC member countries in different areas including trade, economy, science and technology, health, education etc for the benefit of whole Muslim world.
During the summit, the leaders of the Islamic world are expected to make decisions and take practical measures aimed at developing joint Islamic action and advancing the OIC’s role at the regional and international arenas.
This includes the adoption of the “OIC Programme of Action: 2016-2025”, which constitutes a strategic vision with specific priorities addressing: peace and security, terrorism and extremism, humanitarian work, human rights, development, poverty alleviation, eradication of epidemics, the rights of women, children and the family in the Islamic world, higher education, science and technology, and cultural exchanges among OIC Member States.
The Islamic Summit, being held under the theme “Unity and Solidarity for Justice and Peace” will also discuss the current situation in Syria, Yemen, Libya, Afghanistan, Somalia, Mali, Jammu and Kashmir, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Armenia’s aggressions on Azerbaijan, as well as other Member States, afflicted by conflicts and unstable security situations.
The Istanbul Summit will also consider the situation of Muslim communities in non-OIC member States and the issue of combating terrorism.
It will dedicate sessions to discuss the issues of sustainable development in Member States, promotion of scientific cooperation among OIC Member States in the areas of health, higher education and environment, promotion of cultural, social and media cooperation, the humanitarian situation, poverty eradication and infrastructure development in Member States.
Source: APP
