On May 25, the United States and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) concluded two days of successful talks in Washington, D.C. on topics ranging from regional policy issues to climate change, the COVID-19 pandemic, advancing human rights, food security, and countering violent extremism.
The United States and the OIC share enduring and inclusive economic, social, cultural, and people-to-people ties. The two sides agreed on the importance of consolidating these relations in various fields, in light of the challenges facing the world, foremost of which are the situations in the Middle East, Africa and Asia.
The two sides also concurred on the importance of continuing consultations on various issues that top the agenda of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the United States of America, foremost of which is the fight against terrorism, extremism and Islamophobia, and international efforts to combat COVID-19 pandemic and its health, economic and social implications.
The United States commits to increased cooperation with the OIC and its member states on mutually important issues, including building resilience to climate change and working together to ensure food security for the most vulnerable populations.
“We are bound by the mutual understanding that flows from respect for universal human rights, including freedom of religion or belief, the dignity that emerges from respecting such rights, and the peace that rests on shared health and prosperity,” the office of the Spokesperson said in a press release.
“We will also work together to address threats to freedom of expression, and to promote more inclusive, resilient, and rights-respecting communities.”
During the meetings, the United States emphasized the importance of ensuring that women and persons with disabilities are included in decision-making processes, including on climate change and the global COVID-19 pandemic which have disproportionately affected women and girls and persons with disabilities. The United States will work with the OIC and its members to include those voices at the next two UN Climate Change Conferences in Egypt and the United Arab Emirates.
“We are encouraged by the common ground we have found on the importance of community engagement, building resilience to recruitment and radicalization by terrorist organizations, especially ISIS/Daesh and Al-Qa’ida, and supporting the role of education in countering violent extremism. The United States and the OIC share a mutual desire to continue pursuing health equity as we seek to end the acute phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, and we share a mutual resolve to holding the Taliban to account for the promises they have made to the Afghan people and the international community,” the press release says.
During his official visit to the United States of America, the Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, His Excellency Mr. Hissein Brahim Taha, met on May 25, 2022 at the headquarters of the State Department in Washington, DC, with the US Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken.