Egypt’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Expatriates, Badr Abdelatty, has reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to providing full support to the new Secretary-General of the Organisation of Islamic Co-operation (OIC), Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, in reforming the organisation, enhancing its role and mechanisms, and benefiting from Egyptian expertise and capabilities.
Abdelatty made the remarks during a phone call he initiated with Ould Cheikh Ahmed to congratulate him on assuming the post following the approval of his appointment by OIC member states on August 27.
During the call, Abdelatty highlighted Ould Cheikh Ahmed’s extensive diplomatic and international experience and Egypt’s confidence in his ability to strengthen the OIC’s role and serve the interests of its member states.
The foreign minister further stressed that Egypt’s support aims to strengthen the organisation and joint Islamic action in confronting common challenges.
For his part, OIC Secretary-General Ould Cheikh Ahmed expressed appreciation for Egypt’s support for his candidacy.
He affirmed his keenness to continue co-ordinating and consulting with Egypt and to benefit from its expertise and pivotal role in supporting issues of concern to the Islamic world.
The call also addressed major regional developments, foremost among them the Palestinian issue, as well as efforts to achieve security, stability and development in Islamic countries and fulfil their peoples’ aspirations.
In this respect, Abdelatty stressed the vital importance of the OIC’s role in protecting Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem and preserving the city’s identity.
Both sides emphasised the need to maintain the existing historical and legal status quo in Jerusalem and at its holy sites, rejecting any measures that undermine their religious or historical status or alter the city’s character.
They also stressed the necessity of confronting ongoing and systematic Israeli violations in Jerusalem.
