The 2nd Meeting of the Political Consultations Committee between the OIC and the Russian Federation Underlines the Distinctive Relations between the Two Sides

Date: 30/12/2009

The Political Consultations Committee between the Organization of the Islamic Conference and the Russian Federation held its 2nd session in Moscow on 28-29 December 2009 in the framework of formal discussions co-chaired by Ambassador Abdullahi Abdur-Rahaman Alim, Assistant Secretary General, for the OIC side, and Alexander Sultanov , Deputy Foreign Minster , for the Russian side. During these talks, several issues of mutual concern were raised, particularly the issue of Palestine and the situation in the occupied city of Al-Quds, in addition to the conditions in Iraq, Somalia, the Sudan and Afghanistan, as well as coordination in international fora on these issues. Discussions also covered human rights, dialogue among civilizations, combating terrorism, countering Islamophobia and other issues of common concern. Ambassador Alim commended the positive development witnessed by relations between the OIC and the Russian Federation since the latter’s accession to the OIC as an observer member in 2005. He expressed the OIC preparedness to endeavor to strengthen ties with Russia in the interest of the two sides. He also appreciated the efforts exerted by the Russian Federation to reach a just and durable solution to the Palestinian issue and the Arab-Israeli conflict on the basis of international resolutions and the Arab peace initiative. He stressed that the illegal Israeli measures taken in the occupied city of Al-Quds , including the expulsion of Palestinians, the destruction of their homes and denying them access to the AQsa Masjid , constitute flagrant violations of the international law. On his part Mr. Sultanaov described the visit of the OIC delegation to Moscow and the holding of this meeting as a very important step. He expressed the Russian Federation’s readiness to continue contacts and cooperation with the OIC with the aim of promoting relations in the political, economic and cultural felids. Sultaonov underlined the special importance assumed by the visit of the OIC Secretary General, Prof. Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu in March 2009 and the important talks he held with H.E. President Dimitry Medvedev. Regarding the conditions in Palestine, he reiterated that Russia considered all Israeli settlements in the Palestinian territories, including Eastern Jerusalem, as illegitimate , recalling the commitment by Russia to the holding of a peace conference in the Middle East conference in the framework of the initiative “The Strategic Vision –Russia and the Islamic World” The Assistant Secretary General paid a visit to the headquarters of the Ifta Council in Russia where he met with His Eminence, Rawi Ainuldin, President of Council of Muftees in Russia. He was also briefed on the activities and Programme of the Fund for Supporting Islamic Culture during his visit to the Fund’s headquarters. At the conclusion of the political consultations meeting, Ambassador Alim held a press conference which was attended by a large number of representatives of Russian media. He reviewed the results of the consultations and the horizons of cooperation between the OIC and the Russian Federation. Ambassador Kamil Ishkatev, Russia’s Permanent Representative to the OIC, took part in the press conference. He commended the great achievements realized by the OIC during the past years. On the margins of the political consultations, Ambassador Alim, head of the OIC delegation, was received by H.E Minitmer Shaimiev , President of Tatarstan in Kazan who commended the role of the OIC in supporting Islamic solidarity among Muslim nations and the joint Islamic action.

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