Organisation of Islamic Cooperation
The Collective Voice of The Muslim World
Date: 06/04/2010
6 APRIL 2010, SARAJEVO Bismillahi Arrahmani Rahim Your Excellency Dr. Haris Silajdžić, Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Your Excellency Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the Prime Minister of Turkey, Honourable Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, Assalamu Alaykum wa-Rahmatullahi wa-Barakatuhu It is my great pleasure to be present here today and have the opportunity to address this august gathering. Let me first and foremost express my sincere appreciation to His Excellency, Dr.Haris Silajdžić, Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina for inviting me to this very important event. I must also commend the organizers of this Business Forum for their foresight and for the excellent arrangements made to ensure the success of this gathering. The Organisation of the Islamic Conference, as the second biggest international organization after the UN with its 57 members and 5 observers, considers the objectives of this Business Forum as very significant to the process of rehabilitation and reconstruction of the economy of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The peoples in the OIC member states have always supported the resilience of the Bosnian people, who have demonstrated the resolve to rebuild their country after such a devastating civil war that lasted three years. I wish therefore to seize this opportunity to congratulate the Government and people of Bosnia-Herzegovina for their initiative to achieve the required advancement in the area of socio-economic reconstruction which is absolutely needed for the country to attain the level of a fully functional state. Our presence in your midst today, as you strive to consolidate the work of national revival, which began right from the independence of Bosnia Herzegovina on 1 March 1992, is a testimony to the excellent relations existing between the people of the OIC member countries and their brethrens in Bosnia. I am also confident that our contributions to the outcome of this Forum would reflect the spirit of brotherhood and solidarity that have always characterized interactions between members of the OIC community. On this occasion, I would like to reiterate the OIC’s full support to preserve unity, territorial integrity, sovereignty and international personality of Bosnia and Herzegovina, within internationally recognized borders, as a fully functional and self-sustainable state capable of carrying out its powers and fulfilling its international obligations without absolute blockade mechanisms as well as preserving its multi-ethnic, multi-cultural and multi-religious structure. Having said that I would like to express our concern over the inadequate implementation of the key elements of the Dayton Peace Agreement, particularly relating to the building of the state institutions, regulatory framework, and return of refugees and displaced persons to their origin The OIC realizes that for the Muslim World to be able to come up as a united force of progress and prosperity, socio-economic development of its individual members is an essential prerequisite. To this end, it is good to know that economic growth in Bosnia has remained above 5% since 2000 with indications for its steady increase. In the same vein, we presume that the repair of the socio-economic infrastructure of the country is also featuring at the top of the priority list of the policy makers of Bosnia-Herzegovina. I am confident that if the leaders of this country continue to remain united, sincere and steadfast in their resolve to achieve the required socio-economic development, Bosnia-Herzegovina would be able to assume its rightful place as the meeting point of the two world great civilizations and cultures. However, given the realities, unity has to be the most important component through which the leaders would be able to enjoy this prestigious status of their country. Mr. Chairman, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, In the past five years, the OIC has been preoccupied with the task of expanding the existing historical affinities among the people of the Muslim world, through placing stronger emphasis on socio-economic cooperation. Against the background of the contemporary realities in a rapidly globalizing international community, the implementation of the Ten Year Programme of Action, which was approved in 2005 by the OIC leaders in Makkah Al Mukarammah has underscored the gains accruable from a dynamic free trade regime among members of the Muslim World. This has led to the adoption of various strategies on trade promotion and trade facilitation with the sole purpose of alleviating poverty among the vulnerable and poor segments of the Muslim Ummah. Recognizing the importance of investment promotion as a mechanism for wealth creation, employment generation and sustainable economic growth, the OIC is currently engaging the various Development Cooperation Institutions in its member states to intensify their official development assistance to needy countries. Another flagship programme under the economic component of the OIC Ten Year Programme of Action features the prominent role accorded to the Private Sector as a prime driver of the development process in the OIC countries. In order to assist the process of socio-economic recovery in Bosnia-Herzegovina, the business community, in collaboration with their counterpart in the OIC countries, can play a vital role in fostering sustainable development that underlines investing in local communities, supporting local education, health and sanitation. Such efforts should also be directed towards enterprise development programs, and funding activities that would promote diversity, tolerance and peaceful coexistence. These activities would undoubtedly assist the various segments of the Bosnian society to create the desired atmosphere for enduring peace, social harmony and political stability in this beautiful country. In this connection, I must attract the attention of this august gathering to an issue of significant importance for the people of Bosnia-Herzegovina. The OIC Trust Fund working since 2002 with the contribution of its members and did an excellent job in collaboration with local authorities in this country by implementing housing and other projects for resettlement and reintegration of war affected persons and returnees. Unfortunately, the functioning of the Fund has become stagnant because of lack of support and resources from the members as well as its well wishers. The OIC Trust Fund for Returnees in Bosnia & Herzegovina really needs a strong backing now in order to tackle the issue of over 1 million refugees who are unable to return to their previous place of residence due to lack of houses and viable economic activities. Let me take this opportunity to call on all concerned to lend a hand to the Fund in order to let the displaced people to return to their own abode. This is of utmost importance in terms of maintaining the multi-cultural and multi ethnic identity of the country. Your Excellencies, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, Let me also avail myself of this opportunity to call upon the Private Sector establishments in OIC countries to support the current efforts of the Bosnian people, who, we can witness today by their resilience and determination, is ready to move towards having a vibrant, prosperous and sustainable economy. We are happy to note that the programme underway in Bosnia on privatization and the provision of enabling environment for private enterprise. This is underscored by the fact that about 60% of the Small and Medium Enterprises are now privately owned, while 30% of big firms have become public-quoted companies. Let me assure you all, on this occasion, that the OIC would continue to identify with the developmental aspirations of the Bosnian people through the various activities of the Organisation. It would also encourage OIC member-states to reach out to the brotherly people of Bosnia-Herzegovina through the stepping-up of their economic cooperation at all levels. The many economic potentials of Bosnia are a proof to the fact that such economic relations would remain mutually rewarding and in line with the OIC agenda for promoting collective welfare and prosperity for all the members of the Muslim World. Once more, let me congratulate His Excellency Dr.Haris Silajdžić, Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina and members of his Government for their efforts in pursuing the task of national rehabilitation, reconstruction and reconciliation. I wish to also congratulate the friendly people of Bosnia-Herzegovina for their patience, industry, and perseverance, which have contributed to the successes realized so far in the area of nation-building. We do not wish to see a return to 1990’s. Therefore, the OIC is committed to support Bosnia-Herzegovina for its development and welfare of its people, as it was the case during its legitimate struggle for survival. OIC will always remain a close friend of Bosnia-Herzegovina and stand with her against the potential challenges that she will face in the future. I thank you all. Wassalamu Alaykum wa-Rahmatullah wa-Barakatuh
