Arab nations must stand together against extremism, says Saudi FM
abu dhabi — All Muslim nations should extend the necessary support to the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in their effort to fight extremism and radicalism in the region and elsewhere, the Saudi Arabia’s minister told the OIC conference.
Speaking on behalf of foreign ministers of the OIC from the Arab region, Adel Al Jubeir, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, said political conflicts, extremism and terror activities are a stumbling block to peace and stability in countries such as Syria, Iraq, Libya, Yemen, Palestine and others and have caused loss of many lives and increasing numbers of refugees in the region.
“Arab nations are confronted with fighting terrorism, extremism and rebuilding several shattered nations and this is a big problem and requires combined efforts,” he said. “Experiences and historical lessons have always proved that security, stability and development are indivisible all over the world. We must work together to raise levels of cooperation and coordination in the fight against terrorism.”
Al Jubeir added: “Muslim nations must extend financial, moral and physical support towards the OIC’s efforts in eradicating terrorism within member states and the world over.”
The two-day Abu Dhabi conference, which ended on March 2, was attended by 56 foreign ministers of the OIC. In the meeting, which coincided with the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the OIC, the foreign ministers discussed various political, economic, religious and social issues, with peace and stability in the Muslim countries topping the agenda.
Al Jubeir called on all nations to be partners in promoting a culture of pluralism, dialogue among civilisations, a culture of coexistence and complementarity between religions. “We must be partners in protecting our countries from the dangers of terrorism and extremism, and in solving the problems of migration,” he added.
Discussing other problems facing the Arab region, the Saudi minister said they were confronted with the war in Yemen and that Iran was still perpetuating its aggressive actions against Arab nations, which poses threat to peace and stability in the region.
He also noted that Arab countries were reiterating the Arab League position by denouncing atrocities against Muslims such as the unlawful killings of people in Rohingya by the Myanmar government.
Muslim nations must extend financial, moral and physical support towards the OIC’s efforts in eradicating terrorism within member states and the world over.”
Adel Al Jubeir, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Saudi Arabia