Organisation of Islamic Cooperation
The Collective Voice of The Muslim World
Date: 03/02/2016
The Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Iyad Ameen Madani stressed in his meetings with officials in Australia on the importance of multiculturalism in countering violence and intolerant discourse.
In the capital Canberra Mr. Madani met on Wednesday, 3 February 2016, with the Prime Minister, Mr. Malcolm Turnbull, who stated that Australia is absolutely committed to maintaining multiculturalism and it has proven its success in that. The Secretary General underlined the importance of Australia to OIC, considered it a good example of implementing multiculturalism and looked forward to working with it on capacity building, humanitarian aid and addressing regional issues of mutual concern. The Secretary general also met the Minister of Justice and Minister Assisting the Prime Minister of Counter Terrorism, Michael Keenan MP, at Parliament House. They exchanged views on ways to counter extremism and such terrorist groups as Daesh. Mr. Madani stressed that security and military measures are not enough; instead there is a need to look at economic, social and cultural aspects and to put effort in building institutions, giving hope to the youth and create development. The Secretary General reiterated these points in his meeting with the Attorney General of Australia, Hon George Brandis QC, who underlined the need for understanding Islam, its true tenants and diversity in order challenge extremists on both sides.
The Secretary General also met with Assistant Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Senator Concetta Fierravanti-Wells, who explained the basis for Australian multiculturalism of mutual respect and pride in ones culture, which has been nurtured through various measures. In the meeting with HE Governor General of the Commonwealth of Australia, the Honorable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK MC, they discussed social cohesion and regional issues.
In Canberra, the Ambassador of Indonesia, Mr. Nadjib Riphat Kesoema, who is also the Chairman of the OIC Heads of Mission Group in Australia, held a reception in honor of the Secretary General. It was an opportunity to exchange views with the ambassadors and heads of missions on various issues concerning Muslims in Australia.
Earlier in Melbourne in his meeting with Victorian Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Robin Scott MP, Mr. Madani extoled Australia’s belief and support of multiculturalism, to which the Minister commented that Australia is interested in cultural exchange, helping young people integrate and to work with partners in this field. Both agreed that to counter extremist’s narrative, there is a need for an alternative narrative and a better understanding of the narrative for recruiting.
While in Melbourne, the Secretary General paid a visit to the Islamic Museum of Australia (IMA), which is the first and only museum of its kind in Australia and it was opened in February 2014. Australia’s Special Envoy to OIC, Mr. Ahmed Fahour, who is also a patron of the Museum, greeted Mr. Madani and his accompanying delegation and gave them a tour of the Museum. At the reception in the Museum, Mr. Fahour said that IMA played an important role in creating harmony and inclusion of the Muslim community in society and more importantly in educating the public about Islam and its civilization as well as the history of Muslims in Australia. The Secretary General for his part praised what the Museum has achieved stating that, “as Muslims we should admit our diversity and that Islam is good for all times and places.” He talked about the importance of arts, literature and music in bridging knowledge gaps; bringing communities closer and helping them understand each other.
