Oman Engages in 15th OIC Summit Session in Gambia

Banjul, The Gulf Observer: The Sultanate of Oman, under the auspices of the Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs, actively participated in the deliberations of the 15th Session of the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) Summit Conference, held in Banjul, the Republic of the Gambia, on May 4 and 5, 2024. The summit, themed “Enhancing unity and solidarity through dialogue for sustainable development,” convened leaders and representatives from across the Islamic world to address pressing global challenges.

Dr. Mohammed Said Al Maamari, Minister of Endowments and Religious Affairs, led Oman’s delegation to the summit, conveying the sincere greetings and best wishes of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik for the success of the conference. Against the backdrop of current global conditions, Minister Al Maamari underscored the imperative for OIC member states to unite and pursue initiatives that promote prosperity and sustainability for their peoples and the broader international community.

In his address, Minister Al Maamari emphasized the urgent need for intensified collaborative efforts among member states to combat extremism, terrorism, discrimination, hatred, and Islamophobia. He stressed the importance of fostering values of tolerance and coexistence on a global scale, underscoring the role of dialogue in promoting mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence.

Minister Al Maamari condemned the ongoing tensions and military escalation in the region, attributing them to the relentless Israeli aggression against the Gaza Strip. He lamented the international community’s failure to halt the violence and hold Israel accountable for its violations of international law, urging for unified action to address the root causes of conflict and instability.

Expressing Oman’s unwavering support for the Palestinian cause, Minister Al Maamari reiterated the Sultanate’s steadfast stance in advocating for the recognition of the State of Palestine and the realization of the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination.

Throughout the two-day conference, participants deliberated on strategies to combat hate speech and Islamophobia, as well as addressing economic, humanitarian, social, and cultural challenges. The summit concluded with a call for the promotion of dialogue among nations from diverse civilizations, emphasizing the significance of unity and solidarity in advancing shared goals of peace, prosperity, and sustainable development in the Islamic world and beyond.