The OIC Secretary General visits Pakistan

Mr. Iyad Ameen Madani, the Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) is on an official visit to Pakistan from 4-6 August 2014. This is Mr. Madani’s first visit to Pakistan since assumption of the new office in January this year. The Secretary General is accompanied by senior officials from OIC during the visit.

Mr. Madani held detailed talks with Mr. Sartaj Aziz, Adviser to the Prime Minister on National Security and Foreign Affairs today. The Foreign Secretary and other senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were also present at the occasion. Both sides discussed a wide range of issues including, situation in Gaza, Jammu and Kashmir dispute, situation in Afghanistan, cooperation in Science and technology and regional and global political and security issues.

The Adviser congratulated Mr. Madani on his successful election as Secretary General of the Organization and reaffirmed Pakistan’s continued support and engagement with OIC on all issues of importance to the Muslim Ummah. Mr. Aziz commended the growing role of OIC in the international arena and emphasized the Organization’s key mandate in promoting important Muslim causes around the world. He also appreciated OIC’s continued support to the legitimate struggle of the Kashmiri people for realization of their right to self determination.
The Secretary General expressed appreciation for Pakistan‘s active and constructive contributions to the OIC. He informed about recent steps taken by the Organization to condemn Israeli atrocities in Gaza including killing of innocent Palestinian and targeting on Mosques and schools. Mr. Madani also expressed concern on situation of Muslim minorities in different countries.

The Secretary General also called on the President today. The President wished Mr. Madani success in his endeavours to raise the global profile of the Organization. While highlighting Pakistan’s role as a leading Muslim country in science and technology, the President emphasized on the development of education, science and technology in the Muslim world and sharing of human and capital resources by the OIC member states in this respect. The Secretary General also assured cooperation in holding the OIC Summit on Science and Technology in Islamabad next year.

Mr. Madani will call on the Prime Minister, the Minister for Finance and Minister for Science and Technology tomorrow and continue interactions with other senior officials in Islamabad.

Islamabad
4 August 2014

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