The Secretary General of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu reiterated the full commitment of the OIC to pursue and reinforce its cooperation with the UN in all areas of common interest, such as political, humanitarian, economic and human development issues, science and technology, cultural and social issues, human rights, refuges and migration. He stressed on the need for more effective cooperation with the UN programs, agencies and funds. He strongly emphasized the need to address the shortcomings and weaknesses in the bilateral cooperation between the two organizations. The Secretary General stated this in the opening session of the OIC-UN General Meeting on Cooperation held in Istanbul, Turkey at IRCICA headquarters over the period 29 June to 1 July and co-chaired by UN Undersecretary General for Political Affairs Mr. Lynn Pascoe. It involved the participation of OIC and UN secretariats and their institutions. The Secretary General emphasized that the relation between the OIC and the UN is a good example of collaboration in addressing important global challenges of peace, security and development. He added that the OIC, with its advantages in the prevention, management and resolution of conflicts involving its member states, is ready to engage in a wide range of partnerships to assist the United Nations (UN) in its efforts to maintain peace and security. He pointed to the situation in Palestine, particularly in Jerusalem and Gaza, in Afghanistan and Somalia as being at the top of OIC attention. Ihsanoglu announced that the OIC will soon appoint a Special Envoy for Afghanistan. --More
