Interview by S. A. Chaudhry and Ali Hussain
The Economic Affairs: The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) is the largest inter-governmental organization after the United Nations. Since its establishment in 1969, the OIC has played an important role to advocate the Islamic cause around the world. How do you assess the historic role of the Organization?
Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia H.E. Nawaf Saeed Al Malkiy: The OIC is the second largest intergovernmental organization after the United Nations, with 57 member states and covering four continents. It is the collective voice of the Muslim world to ensure and protect their interests in the economic, social and political spheres.
In addition, it has institutions that implement its programmes. It seeks to the interests of the Islamic world in the spirit of promoting international peace and harmony among the various peoples of the world. Its headquarters is in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. It is well known that the organization provided aid and assistance to the Afghan people and provided urgent assistance to achieve security and stability.
The Economic Affairs: The OIC has a long-standing and principled position on the Jammu and Kashmir and Palestine disputes. How can it play a stronger role in the resolution of these disputes?
Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia H.E. Nawaf Saeed Al Malkiy: The OIC has identified the issue of Palestine as a stand-alone priority. The question of Palestine, which has been a major theme of the OIC, has been a constant item on its agenda since its inception. As well as the efforts of the OIC to find a peaceful settlement of Jammu and Kashmir are continuing under the leadership of the Organization.
The Economic Affairs: How would you comment on the preparations by Pakistan for the 48th OIC Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM)?
Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia H.E. Nawaf Saeed Al Malkiy: Pakistan is making every concerted efforts to prepare for the 48th session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers including the renovation of the main hall of the National Assembly of Pakistan.
The Economic Affairs: This year Pakistan is celebrating 75th year of its independence. What is your message to the people of Pakistan on this auspicious eve?
Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia H.E. Nawaf Saeed Al Malkiy: I am pleased to congratulate to the people of Pakistan on the occasion of Pakistan Resolution Day. In the past 75 years, the people of Pakistan have faced hardships, but they have made continuous efforts to ride on those difficulties. At a time of challenge and change around the world, may the Pakistani people continue to strive to live up to the principles articulated by the founders of Pakistan.
The Economic Affairs: The theme of the 48th OIC-CFM is “Partnering for Unity, Justice and Development”. What can the OIC member states do to promote these objectives?
Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia H.E. Nawaf Saeed Al Malkiy: To further these goals, the member states of the Organization must preserve and promote the noble Islamic values of equality, justice and dignity. Striving for unity, justice and development, contributing to international peace and security, understanding and dialogue among civilizations, cultures and religions, and promoting and encouraging friendly relations, good neighborliness, mutual respect and cooperation.
The Economic Affairs: The Covid-19 pandemic has posed unprecedented challenges to the lives and livelihood across the world. In your view, what role could the Islamic countries play to contain the negative impact of the pandemic?
Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia H.E. Nawaf Saeed Al Malkiy: All Muslims and the various media and social media must avoid spreading frightening rumors about the pandemic, and everyone must stand against false and unreliable news in order to avoid its negative effects. The Almighty said: (He utters not a word, but there is a vigilant watcher at hand.) [Surah Qaf 18].
All media, publication and social media must spread proper medical awareness, religious rulings and all provisions related to mitigating the effects and false news about the pandemic. Spreading hope and good omen in the hearts of the public, intensifying lectures in the field of strengthening immunity and maintaining family relations under the supervision of the official authorities according to each country.
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