President Ilham Aliyev Meets OIC Secretary-General, Discusses Islamic Solidarity and Regional Peace
Baku, The Gulf Observer: President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev received Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, Secretary-General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), in Baku on October 26, 2026, to discuss bilateral engagement, Islamic solidarity and cooperation within the framework of the organization.
During the meeting, President Ilham Aliyev highlighted the significance of the Secretary-General’s visit to Azerbaijan following his election, describing it as a reflection of the strong partnership between Azerbaijan and the OIC.
The Azerbaijani president reaffirmed his country’s commitment to the organization, noting that Azerbaijan had consistently played an active role in its activities. He recalled that numerous political, economic and sporting events had been held in Azerbaijan under the OIC framework and said the country would host the OIC Summit next year, with preparations already underway.
President Aliyev also recalled the successful organization of the Islamic Solidarity Games in Azerbaijan and reiterated his country’s commitment to strengthening Islamic solidarity, fostering mutual understanding among religions and cultures, and promoting regional and international peace, security and stability.
For his part, Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed thanked President Aliyev for the reception and his support for the OIC’s activities. He expressed satisfaction at selecting Azerbaijan as one of his first destinations following his election as Secretary-General.
Recalling his previous visits to Azerbaijan, the OIC chief praised the country’s development and congratulated its leadership on its achievements. He expressed his determination to intensify cooperation with Azerbaijan to enhance the organization’s international standing and advance Islamic solidarity.
The Secretary-General also paid tribute to the legacy of Azerbaijan’s National Leader Heydar Aliyev, highlighting his contribution to strengthening relations between Azerbaijan and the OIC. He underscored Azerbaijan’s important role in the Islamic world and its efforts to promote unity among Muslim countries.
Noting that Azerbaijan had restored its sovereignty and territorial integrity, Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed congratulated President Aliyev ahead of the country’s upcoming Victory Day. He also voiced support for the Azerbaijani president’s efforts to establish peace in the region.
The meeting further addressed media cooperation within the OIC framework. Both sides emphasized the importance of coordinated efforts among member states to combat disinformation and exchanged views on projects to be undertaken during Azerbaijan’s chairmanship of the organization.
