Secretary-General of Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Yousef al-Othaimeen and Pope Francis reiterated the importance of interfaith dialogue, which promotes the voice of wisdom and tolerance against violence and terrorism.
During the meeting in Vatican, the two sides discussed a number of issues including the Palestinian cause and the minority people of Rohingya who escaped their country after Myanmar authorities launched a crackdown on the Muslim community.
Othaimeen stressed that "terrorism has no religion", expressing at the same time condemnation of any terrorist act attributed to any religion.
He also appreciated the position of the Pope towards the issue of and the fundamental rights of Muslims and Christians in the Holy City.
The Sec-Gen also appreciated the position of the Pope on many issues such as promoting human rights and migration, expressing his thanks to Pope Francis for his position on the Rohingya Muslims and their struggle to achieve their rights.
For his part, the Pope expressed his support to the basic rights of the Rohingya, adding that their suffering has been going on for a long time. He also lauded neighboring countries, especially Bangladesh, for hosting them.
The Pope also thanked the OIC for its stance on terrorism, stressing that there is no relationship between Islam and terrorism.
In addition, the Secretary-General also met with the Vatican's Foreign Minister, Pietro Parolin, where the two sides discussed cooperation, the importance of dialogue between the Organization and the Vatican and ongoing communication.
