By Lamin Njie, Fatou Sanneh & Fatoumata Joof
The Gambia has been receiving commendations for successfully hosting the 15th session of the Islamic Conference of the Organisation of the Islamic Cooperation (OIC) from 4th to 5th May 2024.
The Summit was held under the theme, “Enhancing Unity and Solidarity through Dialogue for Sustainable Development”, with 57 member states participating.
The OIC is the second largest intergovernmental organisation in the world, with a total membership of 57.
The Summit afforded the Organisation the opportunity to discuss issues affecting the lives of its member states and identify solutions in a form of resolutions.
Speaking during the opening ceremony, the Secretary-General of the Organisation of Islamic Corporation (OIC), Hissein Brahim Taha, expressed his heartfelt congratulations to His Excellency President Adama Barrow and his entire government and the people of the Republic of The Gambia on the significant occasion of The Gambia’s assumption of the presidency of the 15th Islamic Summit.
He stated that the 15th Summit is expected to continue its path of promoting joint Islamic action and defending issues relevant to the Islamic world under the leadership of The Republic of The Gambia, which is widely recognized for its unwavering dedication to this cause.
Speaking on behalf of the Chairman of the 14th Islamic Summit, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, His Highness Prince Faisal Bin Farhan Al-Saud, congratulated the Republic of The Gambia for its assumption of the 15th session of the Islamic Summit and expressed optimism for the summit to contribute in achieving the aspirations of the Islamic Ummah in terms of peace, security and prosperity.
In his statement, Jasem Mohamed Al Budaiwa, the Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council said the summit is happening at a time when the world is facing numerous challenges such as the war in Gaza and other parts of the Middle East. He finally thanked the government and the people of The Gambia for the warm hospitality accorded him and his delegation.
Speaker after speaker during the opening ceremony expressed gratitude for the hospitality accorded them and good impressions about the organisation of the Summit.
The summit ended with Banjul declaration, a resolution and communiqué on key issues affecting the Muslim world.
