Egypt played leading role during OIC presidency

Egyptian Assistant Foreign Minister Hesham Badr stressed on Friday the key role Egypt plays in the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

In statements to MENA in Turkey, Badr highlighted the leading role Egypt shouldered during its presidency of the 12th round of the OIC and its efforts in boosting economic and political relations among the countries of the Islamic world.

The 13th summit of the OIC was held in the Turkish city of Istanbul on April 10-15, in which Egypt handed the presidency to Turkey.

"President Abdel Fattah El Sisi's speech before the summit delivered on his behalf by Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry tackled Egypt's vision towards the situation and the main issues in the Islamic world," Badr said.

The summit discussed the challenges faced by the member states, especially the Palestinian cause, Badr said, stressing Egypt's support for the Palestinian efforts to establish an independent state with Al Quds as its capital.

In its final communiqué, the summit emphasized the centrality of the cause of Palestine and affirmed Islamic identity of Al Quds against any attempts for Judaizing the occupied Jerusalem and the holy shrine.

The communiqué further expressed deep concern over the serious humanitarian situation prevailing in Palestine, Iraq, Libya, Afghanistan, West and Central Africa, Myanmar and in other countries in the Islamic world due to various complex humanitarian situations that undermine decades of socioeconomic development efforts. 

The senior Egyptian diplomat praised the summit's endorsement of an action program of 2016-2025, which includes a strategy for cooperation among the member states in all fields. 

Source ; MENA