OIC Delegation meets officials and Muslim community in Kingdom of Cambodia

Dr. Yusuf Al-Othaimeen, Director General of the Cabinet and Chief Advisor to the Secretary General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) led a delegation to the Kingdom of Cambodia from 13-14 June 2016 on behalf of the OIC Secretary General Iyad Ameen Madani.

Dr. Al-Othaimeen held meetings with Dr. Osman Hassan, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office and Oush Borith, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs of the Royal Kingdom of Cambodia, in the capital, Phnom Penh.

The two sides discussed regional developments, issues of mutual concern and ways of enhancing relations. In particular, the discussions focused on the successful integration of Muslims in Cambodian society and the positive example set by the country for community harmony for other countries in the region to follow.

The Director General also met with other leading Cambodian dignitaries, including the Deputy Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dr. Sos Mousine; the President of the Cambodia Islamic Association and Member of the Senate, Mohamed bin Marwan; the Vice President of the Higher Council of Islamic Affairs, Zakariyya Adam; the Grand Mufti of Cambodia, Sheikh Qamaradeen bin Yousef and the Ambassador of Cambodia to the Arab Republic of Egypt, Sman Abdul Manan.

On Tuesday, 14 June, Dr. Al-Othaimeen was an honoured guest at an Iftar meal hosted by the Hun Sen, Lord Prime Minister of the Royal Government of Cambodia. The Iftar was attended by more than 4,500 guests including Imams, teachers, students and representatives of civil society organisations, the diplomatic corps and government officials.

Dr. Al-Othaimeen conveyed to the Prime Minister and the distinguished guests the best wishes and felicitations of the OIC Secretary General.

In his welcome remarks at the Iftar ceremony the Prime Minster noted that Muslims in Cambodia play a vital role in the country and enjoy their full rights and freedom to practice their faith.

The Cambodian Prime Minister expressed his appreciation for the OIC delegation's visit to the Kingdom and affirmed his country’s support for the efforts of the OIC and underscored the need for cooperation and mutual understanding in addressing the current challenges facing the international community.

Source :WAM