Guyana honours Organisation of Islamic Cooperation Secretary General
Georgetown, GINA, May 29, 2013
The two-day visit of His Excellency Professor Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, Secretary General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) concluded with President Donald Ramotar presenting him a plaque in recognition of his outstanding and dedicated work.
Professor Ihsanoglu has been the OIC Secretary General since 2005, and has gained recognition for his contributions to scholarly debates on intercultural dialogues, and contributing to the transformation of the 57- member state organisation to a more effective body.
President Donald Ramotar presents a plaque to His Excellency Professor Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, Secretary General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)
“I have noted that you have taken a positive stand on various international issues such the needy people, poverty eradication, good governance, promoting interfaith dialogue and search for peace,” President Ramotar said.
His two-day visit that included engagements with Prime Minister Samuel Hinds and Minister of Foreign Affairs Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett and the Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG) was fruitful and productive.
At various international forums Professor Ihsanoglu has been a leading contributor to rapprochement between cultures, particularly between the Muslim and Western worlds.
President Donald Ramotar greets Professor Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, Secretary General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)
President Ramotar who presented the plaque to the esteemed Professor at the Office of the President made reference to the ten-year programme of action that was spearheaded by Professor Ihsanoglu relating to the adoption of the criteria for membership and observer members, and the establishment of new institutions within the OIC system.
President Donald Ramotar and Minister of Foreign Affairs Carolyn Rodrigues Birkett in talks with Professor Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, Secretary General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and team
Guyana was first granted observer status within the organisation on September 27, 1995 and became a member on October 1, 1998. Guyana and Suriname are the only two CARICOM countries which are members of the OIC.
In a brief interview with the press, Professor Ihsanoglu said Guyana’s participation in the membership of the OIC as a young aspiring nation is beneficial for both sides.
“We do appreciate very much the multiculturalism and the peaceful coexistence and beliefs in the country,” Professor Ihsanoglu said
President Ramotar said Professor Ihsanoglu’s advocacy is intended to strengthen the solidarity and cooperation among member states, and consolidate the strategic importance of the organisation within the international community.
Guyana in 2011 signed on to a charter adopted in 2008 to accommodate global developments and to boost inter OIC economic and commercial cooperation. President Ramotar announced that the Guyana Government is at present ratifying the charter.
H.E. Professor Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, Secretary General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) presents a token of appreciation to President Donald Ramotar
With freedom of religion enshrined in Guyana’s multi-ethnic multicultural society, President Ramotar said tolerance, understanding peace and harmony are nurtured, and is hopeful for an end to the ongoing Middle East conflict.
He made reference to the people of Palestine and Syria, who he said, deserve the rights as people elsewhere to live in dignity, and enjoy security, freedom and independence.
“Respect for the rule of law and freedom of religion must continue to be the guiding principles through which we build harmonious societies,” President Ramotar said.
Upon receiving the plaque, the Professor reciprocated with a token of appreciation to the Guyanese Head of State. Among those witnessing the event was Guyana’s Honorary Envoy to the Middle East Ambassador George Hallaq.