Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ambassador Mohi-Eddin Salem, participated on Thursday in the extraordinary meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), held at the organization’s headquarters in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Speaking to the Sudan News Agency (SUNA), the minister said Sudan’s participation reaffirmed its support for consensus on the nomination and election of the OIC’s new Secretary-General, Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, who was elected unanimously. He explained that Sudan had initially put forward a candidate for the position of Secretary-General. However, following consultations with brotherly countries, Sudan concluded that reaching consensus on a single candidate was the most appropriate course and therefore withdrew its candidate in support of consensus. The Foreign Minister added that Sudan also delivered a statement on the Palestinian issue, reaffirming the country’s steadfast support for the Palestinian cause as a central issue, particularly the question of Jerusalem. He affirmed that Sudan would continue to support the Palestinian people until peace and stability are achieved in a manner that guarantees their rights and creates conditions for security and stability for all components of Palestinian society. Responding to a SUNA question regarding the positions of Russia and China in support of Sudan at the UN Security Council, the Foreign Minister said that Russia and China are friendly countries to Sudan and expressed Sudan’s appreciation for their supportive positions. He affirmed that the positions of the two countries towards Sudan are “highly appreciated,” noting that their support for Sudan continues in various forums and circumstances.BH/BH