President Donald Ramotar lauded OIC Secretary-General Professor Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu for his advocacy for the needy and for dialogue between Muslim and Western cultures at international forums, during a ceremony held at the Office of the President earlier in the week.
In a press report, the Government Information Agency (GINA) said Ihsanoglu has been the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Secretary General since 2005. He has gained recognition for his contributions to scholarly debates on intercultural dialogues, and contributing to the transformation of the 57-member state organisation to a more effective body.
At the ceremony, witnessed by Guyana’s Honorary Envoy to the Middle East Ambassador George Hallaq, Ramotar gave the professor a plaque for his advocacy in several areas. “I have noted that you have taken a positive stand on various international issues such as helping the needy people, poverty eradication, good governance, promoting interfaith dialogue and search for peace,” he said.
According to GINA, Ihsanoglu has been a leading contributor to rapprochement between cultures, particularly between the Muslim and Western worlds, at various international forums. He also spearheaded a ten-year programme of action regarding the adoption of the criteria for membership and observer members, and the establishment of new institutions within the OIC system.
Guyana was first granted observer status within the organisation on September 27, 1995 and became a member on October 1, 1998, the release said. Guyana and Suriname are the only two Caricom countries that are members of the OIC.
Ramotar noted that Guyana’s multi-ethnic, multicultural society nurtures tolerance, understanding, peace and harmony and he hoped for an end to the ongoing Middle East conflict. He expressed the view that the people of Palestine and Syria also have the right to live with dignity and to enjoy freedom and independence.
“Respect for the rule of law and freedom of religion must continue to be the guiding principles through which we build harmonious societies,” the president said.
On receiving the plaque, the professor reciprocated with a token of appreciation to the president.
In a brief interview with the press, Ihsanoglu said Guyana’s participation in the membership of the OIC as a young aspiring nation is beneficial for both sides. “We do appreciate very much the multiculturalism and the peaceful coexistence and beliefs in the country,” he said.
In 2011, Guyana signed onto a charter adopted in 2008 to accommodate global developments and to boost inter-OIC economic and commercial cooperation. The president announced that Guyana is currently in the process of ratifying the charter.
The secretary-general’s two day visit also included engagements with Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, Minister of Foreign Affairs Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett and the Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana, GINA said.
