Some developments taking place in today’s world, particularly in the Muslim world, are naturally a source of concern for all of us. Azerbaijan has always worked, and will continue to work, to strengthen Islamic solidarity through practical steps and its own efforts.
"Operative Information Center-OMM" reports that President Ilham Aliyev made the remarks on September 15 while receiving a delegation comprising Organization of Turkic States Secretary-General Kubanychbek Omuraliev; members and observers of the Council of Heads of Muslim Religious Administrations of the Organization of Turkic States; co-organizers of the Yahya Bakuvi International Conference; and members of the Supreme Religious Council of the Peoples of the Caucasus.
"Azerbaijan has hosted many events under the auspices of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and ICESCO. Almost 10 years ago, in 2017, the 4th Islamic Solidarity Games were held in Baku at our initiative and with the support of all Muslim countries. We viewed these Games not simply as a sporting competition, but as a major celebration of unity," the head of state said.
President Ilham Aliyev recalled that the Organization of Islamic Cooperation Summit will be held in Baku next year:
"Against the backdrop of processes taking place in the world, I believe that holding such an event precisely in Azerbaijan is not accidental. True, this decision was made some time ago, but in fact it was a very correct decision. Because, once again, I want to say that Azerbaijan acts as a country that brings people together, promotes reconciliation and directs cooperation in all organizations in which it is represented. I am confident that the summit to be held in Azerbaijan next year will produce very positive results. We hope that, by the time of that summit, the processes, disagreements and, in some cases, clashes among certain Muslim countries will have ended. We will do everything in our power to ensure that the Muslim world unites as one family, all unnecessary disputes are put aside and confrontations are brought to an end. Those elements seeking to divide us and, in fact, seeking to harm Islam will also be put in their place. Of course, we can achieve this only through joint efforts."
The Organization of Islamic Cooperation, founded in 1969, brings together Muslim-majority and Muslim countries to promote cooperation and address common political, economic, cultural and humanitarian challenges. Azerbaijan has hosted major OIC-related events, including the 2017 Islamic Solidarity Games in Baku.
