Organization of Islamic Conference, UN should continue pursuit of shared aims – Annan

The United Nations and the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) are working to promote common values, Secretary-General Kofi Annan said today, calling for further joint action between the two in pursuit of their mutual aims.

“The United Nations and the OIC share a commitment to tolerance, equality, the peaceful resolution of conflict and the promotion of economic and social development, and we have worked closely together for these universal principles,” Mr. Annan said in a message that was delivered on his behalf by Antonio Maria Costa, the Director-General of the UN Office in Vienna, where the meeting is being held.

At the same time, the Secretary-General called for broad cooperation between the UN and the OIC. “While much has been accomplished, there is ample room to do more, particularly in the 10 priority areas that have been identified: trade, refugees, investment, environment, education, human resources, food security, science and technology, technical cooperation among Islamic countries, and the development of arts and crafts and promotion of heritage,” he said.

Drawing attention to regional hotspots, the Secretary-General voiced hope that participants would review cooperation in the political realm, especially with regard to the Middle East and Afghanistan. “I hope the OIC will continue doing its part in efforts to overcome the current deadlock in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, in order to realize the vision, outlined in Security Council resolutions, of two States – Israel and Palestine – living side by side in peace, with secure and recognized borders,” he said.

The message to the eighth annual meeting of the two bodies also hailed the political and financial support of OIC member States to Afghanistan during this “critical moment” in the country’s history.