The Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) and the Arab League have agreed to develop Arab-Islamic bilateral and multilateral relations and consolidate the bonds of brotherhood. An agreement to this effect was signed here by Professor Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, Secretary General of the OIC and Amr Moussa, Arab League chief at the OIC headquarter here on Wednesday. “Since all members of the Arab League are also members of the OIC, the concerns of our organizations are similar, reflecting the hopes and aspirations of our peoples in their quest to attain their rights, defend their holy sites, and face the challenges,” said Professor Ihsanoglu. He pointed out that the agreement will open doorS for greater prospects and stronger impetus for joint action and cooperation. “The OIC will strive hard to make this agreement a success by fostering the prospects of mutual cooperation,” he said. Both Ihsanoglu and Amr Moussa emphasized their commitment to deploy efforts towards achieving material and moral progress for Arab and Muslim countries, and to preserve and boost their mutual interests. They also reiterated their resolve to resist colonialism, zionism, racism, exploitation, and terrorism in all its forms and shapes, in order to provide the requisite support for the security of these countries and for international peace and security. Amr Moussa thanked the OIC Secretary General, lauding his leading role at the OIC and his notable achievements resulting in greater credibility and wider prominence of the organization. The agreement provides for strengthening of cooperation and coordination between the OIC and the Arab League through establishing cooperation frameworks in the political, media, economic, social, and scientific fields. “We have clear vision of the coordination and cooperation which will work at the level of Arab states, and wish this agreement works for the Arab World,” they said. Additionally, the cooperation agreement stipulates for wider cooperation and coordination in the media and economic development spheres, especially in the field of joint investments and the strengthening of cultural ties as well as dissemination of the Arabic language. The agreement sets forth an implementation mechanism that calls for the formation of a joint committee that would meet annually to follow up on the proper implementation of the agreement's provisions. In the political sphere, they agreed on a regular exchange of views on issues of concern to the Arab and Muslim countries. They also agreed to engage in reciprocal representation by attending joint meetings as observers, and conduct joint meetings to coordinate their positions and policies in the run-up to their participation in international conferences. “We are looking forward TO and expecting a new policy from US towards Palestine and other world problems, we hope the new US administration will fulfill all promises and the year 2009 will be a year of peace,” said Amr Moussa. They said the UN Security Council must see to it that Israel is brought to book for its genocide of the Palestinians. “Since the very beginning of the crisis we have given particular attention on the matter and have brought the issue to the attention of the UN Security Council,” the two leaders said.
