Saudi Gazette JEDDAH — Mauritius has officially applied for an observer status in the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), according to a senior minister of the island nation. "OIC is expected to take up this issue in its next meeting," Mauritius Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Housing and Lands Showkutally Soodhun told Saudi Gazette on Saturday. "We are expected to get support from other countries," said Soodhun, who is here to perform Umrah. He met OIC Secretary General Iyad Madani and assured him of total support and contribution since Mauritius is represented in 68 countries and is an active player among Indian Ocean countries. "Mauritius has the biggest Islamic cultural center in Africa," said Soodhun, who is also responsible for Islamic affairs in his country. He praised the development work carried out by the Kingdom to facilitate a safer and comfortable pilgrimage. "Saudi Arabia does not need any lesson from others on how to organize Haj," said Soodhun, who as minister responsible for Haj for the past 22 years, has witnessed the achievements and developments in the Kingdom. "The Saudis are doing the utmost for pilgrims. All countries must respect this," he said. "I am going to support Saudi Arabia until my death. We are bound to support the Kingdom to maintain peace and harmony," he added, praising the services offered even to Umrah pilgrims. Soodhun said that more than 5,000 people from his country visit the Kingdom for Umrah and only 1,000 come for Haj
