ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Organization of Islamic Cooperation Secretary General Hissein Brahim Taha reviewed the agenda of 48th Council of Foreign Ministers.
They also exchanged views on the main outcomes expected from the conference. They also discussed issues confronting the Islamic Ummah and the role of the OIC in that regard.
Highlighting the grim human rights and humanitarian situation in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, the foreign minister expressed appreciation for OIC’s principled position and consistent support for the just struggle of Kashmiris for their right to self-determination.
The OIC secretary general assured the foreign minister of the OIC Secretariat’s full support and cooperation during Pakistan’s chairmanship of CFM. The dignitary arrived in Islamabad early on Monday to preside over the OIC CFM session.
Foreign Ministers and dignitaries of various countries have also started arriving for the summit. Indonesian Deputy Foreign Minister Abdul Qadir Jilani also arrived in Islamabad where he was welcomed by Pakistani officials.
Foreign ministers from various other countries, including Somalia, Nigeria and Gambia have also arrived as well as Permanent Representative of Maldives and the Ambassador of Bangladesh to Saudi Arabia also arrived in Pakistan.
The Swedish delegation and the Deputy Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan also arrived in Islamabad to attend the OIC Summit. Diplomatic staff led by Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi and other senior officials welcomed the distinguished guests on their arrival in Pakistan.
The 48th Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation is beginning in Islamabad. The thematic focus of the two-day Ministerial Conference is on ‘Partnering for Unity, Justice, and Development’.
Foreign Ministers and high-level dignitaries from OIC Member and Observer States attending the session will also witness the Pakistan Day Parade on 23 March as Guests of Honour.
China’s State Councilor and Foreign Minister, Wang Yi will attend as a Special Guest. Senior officials from non-OIC countries, senior representatives from the United Nations, regional and international organizations, including the Arab League and the Gulf Cooperation Council will also participate.
Prime Minister Imran Khan will deliver the keynote address at the Inaugural Session. Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi will chair the Council of Foreign Ministers.
