By Ramesh Mathew
THE Organisation of Islamic Countries (OIC) has called upon GCC member states to remain united to add to their economic and political clout in an increasingly globalised world.
Secretary general of the OIC, Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu was speaking on the sidelines of the GCC Summit at Doha Sheraton Hotel yesterday.
The OIC comprises 57 Muslim countries and is considered the second largest inter-governmental forum after the UN.
Visualising a greater role for the GCC, the OIC secretary general said the countries of the GCC region needed to play a more active and constructive role to demonstrate their real power.
Welcoming the steps initiated by the GCC for a unified currency, Ihsanoglu said such decisions could facilitate easier movement of residents in future. The emergence of a single currency for the whole of the region could help trade flourish not only inside the GCC but also with major powers, he said.
Lauding Iran’s participation in the summit, the OIC secretary general felt this would have a positive bearing on the region’s economy.
In his address at the inaugural ceremony, Iranian leader Mahmoud Ahmedinejad demonstrated in no uncertain terms his country’s determination to maintain peace in the region, said Ihsanoglu. His participation, said the OIC leader, would help change a lot of misconceptions about Iran.
On whether the GCC States would have a say in settling the conflict in the Middle East, the OIC secretary general said “things could change for good if parties concerned talked to each other with an open heart”.
It is a good sign that the warring parties have agreed to hold talks at frequent intervals, he pointed out.
Reiterating the OIC’s commitment to a culture of peace and understanding, the OIC secretary general expressed happiness at the role being played by GCC States to promote harmony among people of different faiths.
He called upon GCC States to demonstrate their determination to achieve peace in the region. “Complete peace in the region is crucial for the fortunes of not only its citizens, but it has a bearing on the lives of people of a large number of other countries,” he said. |
