DHAKA: The visiting secretary general of Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Iyad Ameen Madani meet foreign minister AH Mahmood Ali in foreign affairs ministry Sunday afternoon.

The foreign minister welcomed the secretary general on his second visit to Bangladesh.

He referred to the historic decision of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman to join the organization and reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to the fundamental principles of the OIC both in pursuing political solidarity of Muslim Ummah and in promoting cooperation among member states in economic, social, cultural, educational and other vital fields of activities.

The minister expressed the hope that the secretary general would play a proactive role in addressing the developmental and environmental challenges of OIC member states and that OIC should evolve into an effective mouthpiece for articulating the concerns of the member states and stronger voice on such issues in various global forums.

During the call, the secretary general paid tribute to Bangladesh for her constructive role in OIC endeavors for peace and development in the Muslim world.

He expressed particular appreciation for Bangladesh’s consistent support for the cause of Palestine that lies at the core of OIC agenda.

Madani pledged all-out efforts for further enhancement of the existing cooperation between Bangladesh and OIC in various fields.

He also exchanged views with the FM on developments in the regional and international arena, particularly in the Muslim world.

Madani took the opportunity of the meeting to brief Mahmood Ali on the recent developments within the Islamic Ummah and had consultations with him on the Secretary General's initiatives, projects and steps.

The meeting also gave them the occasion to discuss implementation of various resolutions of OIC and holding of various summit-level meetings.

However, Madani is leading a six-member delegation on a three-day official visit to Bangladesh from August 22. He also visited ICDDRB and appreciated the work of the centre of excellence that Bangladesh has developed over the years.

OIC is the second largest international organization (after the UN) that groups together 57 Muslim-majority countries spread over four Continents.

The Organization’s main objective is to protect and promote the interests of the Islamic Ummah in the spirit of promoting international peace and harmony among various peoples of the world.

BDST: 1857 HRS, AUG 23, 2015
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