CAIRO, Feb 4 (KUNA) -- Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu stressed on Monday that the 12th OIC Summit, scheduled to be held on February 6-7 in Cairo, comes under challenging circumstances faced in the Islamic world where the only solution to overcome these challenges are economic and political cooperation.
Ihsanoglu emphasized during his opening speech at the preparatory meeting of Foreign Ministers of member states of OIC that this year's summit should focus on adopting clear strategies to support the Palestinian cause, to lift the siege on Gaza, to put an end to the unrest in Mali, the ivory coast and Syria.
He also noted that Islamic countries should look into dealing with many problems faced in Afghanistan, Somalia, and the Muslim minorities in Myanmar, South of Thailand and the Philippines.
OIC chief said that one of the main issues that should be tackled in the upcoming summit is the phenomenon of Islamic extremism and violence done in the name of religion.
He said that the summit should highlight means of promoting Islamic joint cooperation that would secure a place of honor for Islam and Muslims across the globe.
Meanwhile, Egypt's Foreign Minister Mohammad Kamel Amr reiterated the importance of establishing joint economic and political cooperation amongst Muslim countries to face present challenges and stressed the necessity of formulating joint efforts on how to negate unfavorable concepts against Islam and Islamic communities.
The summit would also provide an opportunity to discuss working toward establishing a Mass Destruction Weapon-Free Zone in Middle East, The Egyptian minister noted. (pick up previous) sm.mab.mfm.nfm KUNA 041606 Feb 13NNNN