The Gambian head of state was speaking at the opening session of the 15th session of the Islamic Summit Conference, held in Banjul under the theme “Enhancing Unity and Solidarity through Dialogue for Sustainable Development”, in the presence of heads of state and government from OIC member countries.

His Majesty King Mohammed VI is represented at the summit by the Minister of Endowments and Islamic Affairs, Ahmed Toufiq.

The Moroccan delegation to the summit includes the Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, Nasser Bourita, accompanied by the Moroccan Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Permanent Representative of the Kingdom to the OIC, Mustapha Mansouri, the Ambassador, Director General of the Moroccan Agency for International Cooperation, Mohamed Methqal, the Chargé d’Affaires of the Moroccan Embassy in the Gambia, Ahmed Belhaj, and several Ministry officials.

The opening ceremony of this summit, presided over by His Highness Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs, representing the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Sovereign of Saudi Arabia, was attended by the Gambian President, Adama Barrow, the OIC Secretary General, Hissein Brahim Taha, as well as by heads of State and Government from member countries.

This 15th session was preceded on Thursday and Friday by a meeting of foreign ministers, held at the “Dauda Kairaba Diawara” International Conference Centre, and a preparatory meeting of senior officials on Tuesday and Wednesday.

The 15th OIC Summit will discuss political issues of interest to the Islamic world, including the Palestinian question.

Leaders of member states will also address economic, humanitarian, social and cultural issues, including youth, women, family, science, technology, media and Muslim communities.

Emphasis will also be placed on themes relating to the rejection of hate speech and Islamophobia, the promotion of dialogue, as well as issues relating to climate change and food security.

This 15th session will be marked by a Final Declaration, including the Organization’s positions on the issues presented at the summit, as well as a resolution on Palestine and Al-Quds Asharif and the Banjul Declaration.