OIC and AU Sign MoU on countering terrorism in Africa

The General Secretariat of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Commission of the African Union (AU) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to support and strengthen their partnership on countering terrorism and violent extremism in Africa.

The agreement was signed by the OIC Secretary General, Iyad bin Ameen Madani, and the AU Commissioner for Peace and Security, Ambassador Smail Chergui, on 25th April 2015 in Istanbul, on the margins of the Summit for Peace held to commemorate the Centenary of the Battle of Gallipoli.

Ambassador Alim stressed the commitment of the OIC to promoting cooperation with the Chinese government, and emphasized both sides' opposition to terrorist and separatist actions as well as to violent extremist practices in all their forms. However, the OIC remains concerned with the situation of Muslims, whether majorities or minorities, and therefore ensures the follow-up of the situations of the Muslim communities and minorities in the various states of the world, without interfering in the internal affairs of states.

In this context, Ambassador Alim stressed the conviction held by OIC's officials that the Muslim minorities throughout the world can act as cultural and civilizational bridges between their states and the OIC and its Member States, by demonstrating genuine values of tolerance and citizenship and highlighting the noble concepts of the Islamic values system.

Ambassador Alim stated that the Chinese officials affirmed that Muslims play a significant role in China's economic and civilizational progress, especially because Islam reached China around 650 AD. The official statistics show that China has 21 million Muslims belonging to ten different ethnic groups, with some 35,000 mosques, 50,000 preachers and around 500 Islamic associations.

Ambassador Alim said that the delegation conducted a field tour that included a visit to Ox Street Mosque in Beijing and the Islamic Association of Beijing's offices and mosque. In the province of Xingxiang, the delegation saw the situation of Muslims there and visited Aid Khah Mosque in the city of Kashgar. It also visited the city of Urumqi and some cultural and civilization centers.