Russia is an influential state on the international and regional arenas because of its permanent membership in the UN Security Council, its interests and distinguished relations with regional countries, according to Secretary General of Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Yousef Bin Ahmad al-Othaimeen.
Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, Othaimeen said he is looking forward to “fruitful talks” during his visit to Moscow, Russia. He hoped Russia could contain the current tensions in the region, pointing out that any possible escalation may constitute a threat to international peace and security.
On Syria, the Sec-Gen reiterated the principled position of maintaining the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria. He also welcomed the efforts of the international community, including Russia, to strengthen the ceasefire, reduce tensions and adopt confidence-building measures aimed at resuming peace negotiations according to the Geneva Declaration and the relevant Security Council Resolutions, namely Resolution 2254.
Othaimeen noted that during consultations with the Russian side, “we will reflect the positions agreed upon by the member states in the Syrian issue, especially what was agreed at the last meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers in Abu Dhabi and the final communiqué of the Islamic summit in Mecca last Ramadan.”
He pointed to the special importance of developing bilateral cooperation with Russia in various fields, stressing that consultations between the Organization always seeks to strengthen and enhance relations with countries, including Russia.
The Sec-Gen began on July 2 an official visit to the Russian Federation during which he will meet with senior officials to explore ways to promote relations between the Organization and Russia and discuss issues of concern to the Islamic world.
Othaimeen will hold talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov Wednesday at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, followed by a press conference. He will also deliver a lecture at the Diplomatic Academy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Secretary-General's visit comes within the framework of the historical and strategic relationship between Russia and the Islamic world. It will address a number of issues of international peace and security, particularly in light of Russia's permanent membership of the Security Council.
The meeting between the two officials will be an opportunity to review the cooperation between the OIC and Russia on countless political issues, on top of which is the Palestinian cause.
Since 2008, Russia holds the status of an observer state in the 57-member OIC and is the second largest international body after the United Nations.
The meeting between the Russian Foreign Minister and the Secretary-General of the Organization comes within a series of meetings and consultations between the two sides, latest of which was on the sidelines of the 73rd session of the UN General Assembly in New York.
