Jordan, OIC discuss ways to tackle extremism

AMMAN — Jordan and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on Sunday stressed the importance of activating efforts aimed at combating attempts to distort the true image of Islam, through a joint Islamic institutional action.

During a meeting in Amman, Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi and OIC Secretary General Yousef Bin Othaimin also discussed mechanisms that the OIC has initiated to help Muslim communities in the West, mainly the formation of a communication team with European Muslims, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

In this regard, Safadi highlighted His Majesty King Abdullah’s efforts to combat attempts that distort the teachings of Islam, referring to the true messages of Islam the King has underlined in his speech at the annual National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, DC, recently.

Discussions also addressed the latest developments in the Palestinian issue and Syrian crisis, among other regional events.

Safadi and the OIC official also went over the situation in Jerusalem, with the minister highlighting the centrality of the holy city for the Kingdom and stressing Jordan’s rejection of all types of unilateral measures aimed at threatening the identity of Jerusalem and its holy sites.

Bin Othaimin expressed the OIC’s appreciation and support for Jordan’s pivotal role in highlighting the true image of Islam and its moderate values, referring, in this regard, to the initiatives that His Majesty launched to defend Islam and Muslims.

He also praised King Abdullah’s efforts to achieve security and stability in the region, in addition to serving Islamic issues, especially in Jerusalem and its holy sites under the Hashemite custodianship, Petra added.

The secretary general stressed the OIC’s keenness to continue cooperation and coordination with Jordan on various topics.