Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid has called for significant cooperation and sharing of experiences to find common solutions to challenges and threats faced by the global Islamic community. The foreign minister made the remarks in the statement delivered at the Preparatory Meeting for the 14th Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Summit.
In the statement at the preparatory meeting for the 14th OIC Summit, Minister Shahid said historic and friendly relations along with the mutual belief in the concept of consultation is what unites the Islamic world. Commencing the speech, the foreign minister expressed Maldives views the OIC as one of the most important platforms to discuss all matters which affect the wider Muslim world, at a time when the global Islamic community is facing multifaceted threats and challenges. He delivered Maldives’ commitment to strive to highlight and address the most significant issues facing the global Islamic community, by strengthening cooperation and sharing experiences to find common solutions.
Noting Palestinian cause is a central issue to the Muslim world, Minister Shahid reaffirmed Maldives' unwavering support to the people of Palestine, their right to self-determination and their right to live with peace, prosperity and dignity.
Highlighting terrorism is a scourge faced by all nations, the foreign minister said full international cooperation to root out this evil is needed.
Furthermore, the foreign minister also called for solidarity with Muslims facing persecution and suffering in different parts of the world. He committed Maldives' support to counter the prevalent atmosphere of Islamophobia around the world. He further appealed world leaders to recognise the urgency of addressing climate change, a grave threat that could endanger Maldives' very existence.
The meeting held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, was attended by the foreign ministers of member states of the OIC. During the meeting, the foreign ministers agreed to adopt the agenda and work programme of the 14th Islamic Summit Conference.
In addition, the ministers agreed to deliberate on the final communiqué of the summit, the Makkah Declaration, and the Draft Resolution on the Cause of Palestine in order to be finalised and adopted at the summit.
Maldives extended its full support to the Makkah Declaration and the resolution on Palestine and called for the adoption by consensus of these two important documents.
The 14th Islamic Summit Conference is due to be held in Makkah on May 31.