MAKKAH — Dr. Yousef Al-Othaimeen, secretary general of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), congratulated King Salman on his assumption of the presidency of the 56-member pan Islamic body. "We are confident that Saudi Arabia, which has been entrusted with a leading and central role in promoting the status of Islam and Muslims around the world, would continue its role, with the utmost determination and ability, to meet the challenges, in view of its spiritual leadership of the Islamic world and its distinguished political and economic standing in the world," he said while addressing the Islamic Summit at Al-Safa Palace in Makkah on Friday night. He expressed confidence that the 14th Islamic Summit will be a milestone in the history of the Organization on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of its foundation, saying "this gives us all a sincere will and strong determination to join hands towards a better future for the peoples of our countries and a unified position on the issues of our Islamic world." Al-Othaimeen said the Muslim world is in the midst of serious repercussions of the volatile situations, exacerbated by existing crises and challenges. "This situation requires, more than ever before, the continuation of efforts and building on what has been achieved, in realizing strong Islamic solidarity, which is based on close brotherly ties between the Islamic countries and the Islamic values of tolerance and solidarity," he said. He described terrorism and extremism as the plague of the era and its cancer, which lie in the forefront of the threats facing the Muslim world, citing the recent attacks targeting commercial vessels and oil pumping stations. Reiterating the OIC's strong condemnation of these terrorist acts, he called on the international community to shoulder its responsibilities to maintain peace and security in the region. He also called upon all member states and the international community to take serious and effective action to prevent the occurrence or recurrence of such attacks. The OIC chief emphasized that the violation of the security of Saudi Arabia is a violation of the security and cohesion of the entire Islamic world. He pledged the Organization's full solidarity with the Kingdom in all measures it takes to defend its security and stability in line with the Charters of OIC and the United Nations. "The OIC reiterates its absolute rejection of the attempts to link Islamic religion with terrorist acts perpetrated by rogue criminal groups that have nothing to do with Islam, its noble teachings and tolerant values," he said, referring to the important role played by the Islamophobia Observatory and the Voice of Wisdom Center at the OIC Secretariat in spreading the values of moderation and the true image of Islam. Al-Othaimeen stressed that the Palestinian issue will remain at the top of the priorities of Islamic states. "The Islamic Summit is being held at a time when the Palestine and Jerusalem issues are facing critical political, economic and humanitarian challenges." Referring to the unrest in some parts of the Islamic world, the OIC chief said: "What is witnessed unfortunately in our Islamic world of wars, conflicts and divisions should not in any way obstruct the course of progress and economic development in the countries that are stable and aspiring to ensure the well-being and development of their peoples. The OIC works to provide appropriate frameworks for member states to strengthen their economic relations, develop intra-trade and reform their economies," he added.
