Speech by the delegation of Egypt

 Your Majesty King Abdullah Bin Abdel Aziz,
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques,
Your Majesties and Your Highnesses,
Your Excellency the Secretary General of the Organization
Of the Islamic Conference,
Brothers and Sisters,

Allow me to express my feelings of gratitude to my brother the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and to the brotherly Saudi people for their hospitality and generosity as well as for the proposal to convene and host this important summit at Makkah Al-Mukarramah.

This Extraordinary Summit is being held at a time when an Islamic World is at a critical juncture amid regional circumstances replete with crises and hazards and an international arena posing numerous challenges.

It is a situation that calls for the strengthening of our solidarity as well as stimulating joint action and developing an institutional framework, represented by the Organization of the Islamic Unity, so as to consolidate its role, its efficacy and its methods of action.

Brothers and Sisters,

We are confronted by common challenges, whether they be pending issues such as the situation in Palestine, conflict areas as in Iraq or continuing armed struggles as in numerous regions of African and Asia.

The economic and social challenges of globalization run parallel to this situation as well as cultural challenges that try to detract from our identity and stigmatize Islam with terrorism and extremism, leveling charges at an entire Ummah.

We all regret allegations that a conflict of civilizations exists, escalating anti-Islamic feelings and the harassment of Muslim communities abroad. This takes place in total disregard of the true nature of our merciful and tolerant religion and of the contribution of the Islamic civilization to human heritage and a similar disregard for the fact that terrorism has become a global phenomenon with no links to country or religion and from whose evil no one on earth is exempt.

Our Islamic nation suffers, like others, from terrorism and its hazards. As you might recall, in 1986 I called for the convening of an international conference, under the auspices of the United Nations, to establish a basis for effective international cooperation for combating terrorism.

I launched this initiative years ago. Meantime terrorism has become a global phenomenon requiring urgent international action to contain its threat.

Egypt reiterated this initiative to the Euro-Mediterranean Cooperation Summit held in Barcelona last week, stemming from its conviction that we all, Muslim and non-Muslims alike, stand in the same trench confronted by a common threat.

Moreover, we all recall the successful conference on terrorism held in Riyadh last February and the Declaration issued thereupon containing proposals and recommendations to strengthen anti-terrorist efforts, regionally and internationally.

Our Islamic World is conscious of the threats and hazards posed by terrorism but it is also aware of the fact that continuing pending issues and situations nourish the forces of terrorism and provide it with cover and pretexts and that a balanced and fair approach to these issues is a primary prerequisite in the global war against terrorism.

The need is intensifying for our Islamic Ummah to clarify these situations and continue to consolidate the dialogue between cultures, civilizations and religions as an alternative to calls and theories propagating a clash exists between them. The need intensifies, as well, to transfer the real image of our merciful Sharia and confront anti-Islamic feelings. I fully trust that the Organization of the Islamic Conferences is equipped to play a prominent role in this regard.

Your Majesties and Your Highnesses,

The challenges of globalization require an increased effort to join in the technological progress that has become a characteristic of our times and a primary requirement to sustain the competitive ability of national economies.

We should capitalize on the economic advantages that we possess and reinforce cooperation has between the Islamic countries in the trade, economics and investment fields in order to bridge the widening gap between us and the developed world.

Brothers and Sisters,

Our realization of the challenges surrounding us is accompanied by a deep conviction of our ability to face them. I am certain that the potential inherent in the Islamic Ummah will render it capable of overcoming the current situation and its complexities and realizing the ambitious and hopes it harbors for the future.

We all look forward to a better future for our people and know that the means to this is through the reform and modernization of our societies. We tread this path with a steady pace each according to the conditions prevailing in his society.

In this regard, we support the issue concerning the reform of the Organization of the Islamic Conference in accordance with the current regional and international situation. It is reform that should reinforce OIC ability to deal with the requirements of the present situation while, preserving the principles and goals on which the Organization was founded.

We need to reach a comprehensive view and adopt a clear method that leads us to this required reform. Allow me to submit to you measures that could assist us in clarifying this view: -


First: The necessity for commitment to stimulate and consolidate OIC activities and provide the necessary consolidation, each according to his capability.

Second: The importance of defining clear priorities in OIC Plan of Action and with the help of all member states, laying down specific executive programmes to this end. Accurate studies should be used to eliminate the wasting of effort and resources.

Third: Reinforcing existing OIC mechanisms and realizing maximum coordination between them prior to deciding on the need for new mechanisms and structures.

Fourth: The need for reinforcing cooperation and coordination between OIC member states within the framework of the organization and other regional and international organizations that group all or some of them.

Brothers and Sisters,

We meet today in Makkah Al-Mukarramah, which embraces the first house laid for mankind. Here our Prophet was born and from here the Islamic Dawaa emanated.

Our Ummah is crossing a critical juncture in its history, facing difficult challenges and harbouring legitimate hope for a better future.

We all share responsibility towards our people and strive for a place that we deserve in an ever-changing world. We have no alternative but to hold on to our solidarity and consolidate our ranks, stands and joint action.

I pray to Allah to crown the work of this Summit with success and guide us to the path that leads to the prosperity of our Ummah and peoples.

He is the best Provider and the best Supporter.

Assalamu Alaykim Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh.

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