economic development with “a view to empowering the Muslim world to achieve effective integration in the global economy,” Ihsanoglu said. The secretary general also said he supports “the recent intensification of regional peace and mediation initiatives, including the Saudi, Turkish and Qatari efforts on different aspects of conflicts in the Middle East and Horn of Africa.” He said the OIC is seen is a “trusted and authoritative spokesperson for the Muslim world” on major global political issues such as Palestine, Iraq, Kashmir, Afghanistan, Somalia and Cyprus. Ihsanoglu added that he welcomed the recent decision by the White House to appoint a special envoy to the OIC. --MORE
