National News

ISTANBUL, (APP): President Mamnoon Hussain Thursday
joined leaders of Muslim World at opening session of 13th Islamic
Summit of 56-member Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC),
being hosted by the Republic of Turkey here from April 14 to 15.
The opening session, attended by around 30 heads of
government and state from OIC countries, was addressed by
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey, Foreign Minister
of Egypt Sameh Shoukry and OIC Secretary General Iyad Ameen
Madani.
At the start of opening session, the Chairmanship
of the 13th Islamic Summit was handed over to Turkey.
Egypt was the chair of 12th Islamic Summit.
Earlier, upon arrival at the Istanbul Congress
Center (ICC), the venue of 13th Islamic Summit, President
Mamnoon Hussain was warmly received by President Recep
Tayyip Erdogan.
The President also joined the leaders from OIC
member countries at the family photo event.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, in his wide-ranging
address, highlighted the challenges faced by Muslim world,
particularly terrorism and extremism, and called for unified
efforts through a joint strategy to tackle this menace
for peace in the world.
He called for enhanced cooperation among the OIC
member countries in different areas including trade,
economy, science and technology, health, education etc
for the benefit of whole Muslim world.
During the summit, the leaders of the Islamic world
are expected to make decisions and take practical measures
aimed at developing joint Islamic action and advancing the
OIC’s role at the regional and international arenas.
This includes the adoption of the “OIC Programme of
Action: 2016-2025”, which constitutes a strategic vision
with specific priorities addressing: peace and security,
terrorism and extremism, humanitarian work, human rights,
development, poverty alleviation, eradication of epidemics,
the rights of women, children and the family in the Islamic
world, higher education, science and technology, and cultural
exchanges among OIC Member States.
The Islamic Summit, being held under the theme “Unity
and Solidarity for Justice and Peace” will also discuss the
current situation in Syria, Yemen, Libya, Afghanistan,
Somalia, Mali, Jammu and Kashmir, Bosnia-Herzegovina and
Armenia’s aggressions on Azerbaijan, as well as other
Member States, afflicted by conflicts and unstable security
situations.
The Istanbul Summit will also consider the situation of
Muslim communities in non-OIC member States and the issue of
combating terrorism.
It will dedicate sessions to discuss the issues of
sustainable development in Member States, promotion of
scientific cooperation among OIC Member States in the
areas of health, higher education and environment,
promotion of cultural, social and media cooperation,
the humanitarian situation, poverty eradication and
infrastructure development in Member States.