Azerbaijan's initiatives within the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) contribute to expanding cooperation in the Islamic world, MP Jeyhun Mammadov told APA.
The MP said that Azerbaijan plays an important role in strengthening Islamic solidarity:
"President Ilham Aliyev's reception of OIC Secretary-General Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed on October 26 and the views expressed during the meeting once again demonstrate Azerbaijan's position in the Islamic world and the importance it attaches to cooperation with the organization."
Azerbaijan attaches particular importance to cooperation with OIC
Jeyhun Mammadov noted that the OIC was one of the first international organizations Azerbaijan joined after restoring its state independence, and this year marks the 35th anniversary of the country's membership in the organization.
"During this period, Azerbaijan has supported the unity and solidarity of the Islamic world, actively participated in the organization's activities, and contributed to expanding cooperation among member states. The OIC Secretary-General's tribute to the memory of National Leader Heydar Aliyev and his special emphasis on the Great Leader's contributions to establishing and developing relations between Azerbaijan and the organization are of historical significance. The Secretary-General's assessment of Azerbaijan's full restoration of its sovereignty and territorial integrity as a historic event, as well as his support for President Ilham Aliyev's efforts to ensure peace in the South Caucasus, demonstrate the attention paid to our country's position on regional and international issues."
Islamic solidarity strengthened through concrete initiatives
The MP emphasized that Azerbaijan supports Islamic solidarity not only through political statements but also through concrete initiatives and projects.
"The World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue, held at the initiative of President Ilham Aliyev, serves to promote mutual understanding between different religions and cultures. The declaration of 2017 as the Year of Islamic Solidarity in Azerbaijan and the holding of the 4th Islamic Solidarity Games in May of that year are also important examples of this policy.
At our country's initiative, the Islamic Cooperation Youth Forum and its Eurasian Regional Center were established in 2004, while the OIC Labour Centre was established in Baku in 2023. Azerbaijan's promotion of the fight against Islamophobia on the international agenda and organization of international conferences in this field are also of particular importance.
Azerbaijan also pays great attention to preserving Islamic cultural heritage. The restoration of mosques destroyed in the liberated territories and projects implemented by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation to protect and restore historical and religious monuments abroad are important areas of this activity."
Joint fight against disinformation is important
Jeyhun Mammadov stated that the emphasis placed during the meeting on the importance of joint action against disinformation and smear campaigns targeting the Islamic world and Azerbaijan was noteworthy.
"Combating such cases requires a coordinated position among member states, cooperation in the information sphere, and the communication of objective information to the international community. While preserving its secular development model, Azerbaijan contributes to interreligious dialogue and intercultural understanding as a country that demonstrates its commitment to the spiritual values of Islam."
OIC Summit to be held in Baku in 2027 reflects Azerbaijan's position in Islamic world
The MP said that the holding of the 16th Islamic Summit Conference of the OIC in Baku on June 23–24, 2027, and Azerbaijan's chairmanship of the organization will create significant responsibilities and new opportunities for cooperation for the country.
"Before that, the 13th session of the OIC Conference of Information Ministers is also scheduled to be held in Baku on June 1–2."
Jeyhun Mammadov also assessed the selection of Shusha as the OIC Tourism Capital for 2026 and the holding of the 20th session of the Parliamentary Union of OIC Member States in Baku in June this year as examples of Azerbaijan's growing activity within the OIC.
"The upcoming Summit will serve as an important platform for Azerbaijan to continue its efforts to deepen cooperation in the Islamic world, address common challenges, and strengthen peace and stability."
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