The Organization of Islamic Cooperation Secretary General Yousef al-Othaimeen warned against holding any Islamic meetings or summits outside the framework of the OIC, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary.
"It is not in the interest of an Islamic nation to hold summits and meetings outside the framework of the (OIC), especially at this time when the world is witnessing multiple conflicts," Othaimeen said.
He added that "any weakening of the OIC platform is a weakening of Islam and Muslims".
Othaimeen’s comments were made at a time the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur is hosting a meeting bringing together Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, and the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
The meeting was self-dubbed “the micro Islamic summit.”
Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan boycotted the meeting, which also faced sharp criticism from Islamic officials who considered it an attempt to undermine organized Islamic action.
Saudi legal expert Sultan Al-Misha’ali reiterated that the OIC is the sole intergovernmental organization striving to strengthen the bonds of solidarity and cooperation between Islamic countries.
He added that the OIC is responsible for coordinating Islamic efforts in political, humanitarian, economic, cultural and scientific fields.
The OIC is an international organization founded in 1969, consisting of 57 member states.
Thanks to the organization's extensive activities, many Western countries seek to enhance their relations with the body by appointing special envoys and coordinating with its offices abroad.
International and regional bodies seek cooperation with the OIC on many issues of common concern.
The organization has set a ten-year program that encompasses the economic, social, human and cultural fields. The program also addresses science and technology and aspects related to the advancement of women and the enhancement of the conditions of youth and the elderly.
