Maldives has called for enhanced multilateral cooperation among member states of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to address common challenges.
The statement was made by Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Maldives Abdulla Shahid during a virtual interaction with members of the OIC at the United Nations. Permanent Representatives and representatives from several member states of the OIC took part in the meeting.
In his remarks, Minister Shahid highlighted that as a proud member of the OIC, since 1976, the Maldives has joined the members in raising its voice on issues such as sustainable development, climate change, public health, and Islamophobia, terrorism and the rights of Muslims, including the Palestinian people, and women and children. Minister Shahid also highlighted that the OIC has, since its formation in 1969, galvanized its Members into a unified body, and has always stood up for matters close to the hearts of more than 1.5 billion Muslims across the world.
During the meeting, Minister Shahid shared his perspectives on the sustainable recovery pathways from COVID-19, sustainable development, revitalization of the work of the General Assembly, and also highlighted the importance of working together to enhance the multilateral system and international cooperation.