OIC, Azerbaijan explore bilateral relations
By Sara Rajabova
Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu has visited Azerbaijan before expiration of his mandate as the OIC chairman.
His mandate as the Secretary-General of OIC expires on 31 January 2014.
Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov received Ihsanoglu on November 25.
During the meeting the sides expressed satisfaction with partnership between Azerbaijan and the OIC and the prospects of further development of the relations.
While stressing the particular importance of the meeting on strengthening the cooperation between the Council and the OIC organized in the UN Security Council on the initiative of Azerbaijan, Ihsanoglu thanked Azerbaijan for support, assistance and contribution.
Mammadyarov stressed that one of the important directions of Azerbaijan's foreign policy is cooperation within the OIC.
He expressed appreciation of Ihsanoglu's work within the OIC and its increased role as an institution, making a significant contribution to the development of the international peace and security.
On the same day, the OIC head met with Chairman of the Caucasian Muslims Board (CMB) Sheikh-ul-Islam Allahshukur Pashazade.
The sides explored ways of developing cooperation between Azerbaijan and the OIC.
Pashazade praised cooperation between Azerbaijan and the OIC and highlighted the prospects of these ties.
Ihsanoglu, in turn, stressed the importance of development of the Azerbaijan-OIC relations, and conveyed his confidence that bilateral cooperation would be expanded even further.
Foreign Minister Mammadyarov, Turkish Ambassador to the country Ismail Alper Coskun were also present at the meeting.
Earlier in the day, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev received OIC chairman Ihsanoglu.
He stressed Azerbaijan`s role as an active member of OIC, hailing the country`s support of the organization`s projects.
The two sides expressed confidence that Azerbaijan-OIC cooperation would further enhance.