Foreign Minister participates in OIC Ministerial session

Islamabad, Mar. 23 (BNA): Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al-Zayani, took part in the meeting of the Ministerial Session of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on “The Role of the Islamic World in Promoting Peace, Justice and Harmony”, which was held here today. The session was attended by a number of Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Member States, and OIC Secretary-General, Hussein Ibrahim Taha. In his statement, the Minister of Foreign Affairs stressed that the Islamic world faces many challenges, which comes in the way of the role it plays in international issues that threaten international peace and security, or those that threaten human life, such as poverty, hunger, lack of water and food, and others. He said that the Islamic world is able to play a prominent and effective role in promoting peace, justice and harmony in the whole world, if we are able to take advantage of the capabilities available to us in spreading the noble values and principles of our true Islamic religion. The Foreign Minister added that it is the duty of Islamic countries to work on reforming their relations, addressing problems and differences wherever they exist, and resolving them radically so that this great Nation can rise and stand in the face of all challenges. He called for uniting the efforts of member states to combat the ideology of fanaticism and sectarianism which fuels terrorist organizations that have pursued terrorism to distort the image of Islam and offend our beliefs, values and principles. To conclude, he affirmed that promoting peace and harmony in societies and countries alike will contribute to avoiding conflicts and wars, consolidating the values of love and brotherhood, respecting pluralism and establishing religious freedom, promoting dialogue, understanding and cooperation between peoples, religions, cultures and civilisations, and spreading peace, security and stability around the world.