Islamophobia will dominate the agenda of the 37th session of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) meeting here, marking the first time the Tajik capital has played host to the annual gathering. The President of the Republic of Tajikistan, Emomali Rahmon, addressed the opening of the three-day conference Tuesday. “We are happy to notice the recent positive changes and developments in the OIC's activities as it has increased its international role,” said Rahmon. OIC Secretary General Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu highlighted the significance of holding the OIC session in Dushanbe. “The chronicles of Islamic history bear eloquent testimony to the abounding wealth of cultural and edifying legacy, conferred to Islamic civilization, by the illustrious sons of this region,” he said. Stressing the need to effectively tackle Islamophobia, Ihsanoglu said the hate wave against Islam and Muslim immigrants has become a “political commodity” and a “winning chip” in the hands of political parties during their election campaigns in the West. Achieving any real progress in this area requires direct and dedicated interaction between OIC member states and the West. “A high level ministerial meeting must be convened to evolve an Islamic plan for interaction with the West, regarding Islamophobia, and defending our just causes and in facing up to the mounting hate wave against Islam. I also suggest that the question of Islamophobia be included in all member states' interactions with their Western counterparts,” he said. OIC foreign ministers will discuss a number of issues, including the current situation in Iraq, Jammu and Kashmir, Somalia and Afghanistan, solidarity with the Republic of the Sudan, the situation in Cyprus and Kosovo, and the future role of the OIC in maintaining security and keeping peace as well as in resolving conflicts in member states. The CFM will also consider the situation of Muslim communities in non-member states. The theme of this year's conference is “Joint Vision for Greater Security and Prosperity for the Muslim World”. Addressing the opening session Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Al-Mu'alem said that the present situation in Palestine requires a united and serious stand by all Muslim countries.
