President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has highlighted the Maldives is consistent in the advocacy of Muslims everywhere, upholding the unwavering support for the Palestinian cause and frequent condemnation of anti-Islamic bigotry, as demonstrable examples. The president made the remarks at the statement submitted to the 14th Summit of Organisation for Islamic Cooperation (OIC) held in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.
In the statement, President Solih emphasised that tasks confronting the Islamic world are immense, adding however, the collaborative efforts of fellow Muslim countries and the grace and will of Allah Almighty, all challenges can be met.
The overarching purpose of OIC is to facilitate collaboration among Muslim countries, for the benefit of the global Muslim community, whilst promoting the values and principles of the noble religion of Islam. The high-level summit, which convenes on a triennial basis, affords the leaders of Muslim majority countries the opportunity to offer their perspectives, grievances and solutions relevant to Muslims and the Islamic world. The issues discussed broadly encompass the internal issues confronting Muslim majority countries; diplomacy between Islamic countries; and the various issues and challenges confronted by Muslims living as minorities.
This year's summit touched upon the growing prevalence of Islamophobia, regional security in the Middle East and of the growing threat posed by extremists, who wilfully distort the peaceful message of Islam.