OIC and US hold consultations

A wide range of issues discussed

The OIC and US delegation pose for a group photo in Washington, DC.

WASHINGTON, DC, Dec 29: A delegation of representatives from the Organization of Islamic Cooperation headed by Ambassador Yahya Lawal, Acting Director General for Political Affairs and Director for African Affairs met on Dec 21-22, 2016 with counterparts from across the US Department of State in the inaugural OIC-US bilateral consultations. Ambassador Thomas Shannon Jr, Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs of the United States welcomed the consultations and stressed the importance of maintaining close ties between the two organizations. The two day meeting was chaired by Arsalan Suleman, Acting Special Envoy of the United States of America to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.

The delegations exchanged views on a wide range of issues important to the OIC: including the situation in Palestine; the ongoing situation of the Rohingya Muslim Minority; the global refugee crisis; humanitarian assistance; The Istanbul Process; the importance of interfaith and intercultural dialogue; global women’s issues; terrorism and other regional issues of mutual interest.

The two sides pledged their intent to continue to work collaboratively in a number of areas, particularly in preventing radicalization; increasing access to employment, particularly youth employment; promoting interfaith and intercultural dialogue and continuing a number of strong partnerships including with USAID and programmes aimed at preventing violence against women.

Such bilateral consultations will further enhance cooperation between the OIC and the United States and will be held annually, alternating between Washington, DC and Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.