The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) was surprised at the remarks made by EU External Affairs Commissioner Federica Mogherini, and considered them a blatant interference in the internal affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the member state of OIC. OIC's Secretary General Dr. Yousef bin Ahmed Al-Othaimeen said that these statements are unacceptable and impose dictates on sovereign states that is rejected in international relations, adding that the OIC does not accept dictates and interference in the affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the country that has combated terrorism and extremism and stands by its intellectual, security, societal and cultural efforts against all that disturb human security and jeopardize the achievement of human civilization. Al-Othaimeen pointed out that the Charter of the United Nations and the Charter of OIC refuse interference in the internal affairs of states because it is a violation of the sovereignty of states and a renewed attempt to impose trusteeship, which is rejected by the General Secretariat of OIC in line with international charters. He said that the involvement of the European Union in the affairs of a member state of OIC is not in line with the positive relations between OIC and the European Union, stressing that OIC will not stand idly by in this approach and will have a strong reaction if its continued. Dr. Al-Othaimeen affirmed OIC's support for the actions taken by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in accordance with its laws and regulations. OIC's Secretary-General concluded his statement by warning that interference in the internal affairs of states serves only the efforts of extremists and terrorist groups whose method of action propagates hatred and creates a gap among peace-loving peoples.
