“INTERNATIONAL peace and security must be of paramount importance for us. We cannot allow terrorism to threaten peace and security anywhere, as this undermines sustainable development.”

Minister of Housing and Water and Minister of Tourism (ag), Irfaan Ali made this declaration as he reaffirmed Guyana’s commitment to the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) while attending the 41st Session of Council of Foreign Ministers, held in Saudia Arabia from June 18-19.

In his address to the delegates, Ali conveyed Guyana’s concern over the present situation where peace, unity and stability in the Middle East are under threat.
He urged those present to reaffirm the values upon which the OIC was formed and called for more dialogue, trust, cooperation and sharing of ideas as this is the only approach that will ensure partnerships are built.

“I am most pleased that the agenda will address in a frontal manner, the issues of discrimination, xenophobia, and Islamophobia. The question of Syria and Palestine cannot escape our consideration and thoughts as it is indeed a testing time for of our commitment to one Ummah (Community),” he stated.

On this note, Ali emphasised that, as a peaceful, democratic and culturally diverse country, Guyana equivocally opposes acts of discrimination including xenophobia and Islamophobia and stands solidly with the OIC in addressing these issues.

He said: “Guyana promotes and re-affirms its commitment to the Palestinian people including their rights to self-determination. The Palestinian people deserve a homeland of their own. All efforts must be exhausted to finding a peaceful and just solution to this issue. We reiterate our support for the Palestinian people for their inalienable rights and firmly support a two state solution to Palestine / Israeli conflict. Extremism under the guise of religion, cannot be tolerated, Guyana therefore fully embraces the UN Global counter terrorism strategy adopted in 2006.”

He stressed the importance of looking at non-traditional blocks like South America, and engaging them into the wider collaboration of the OIC.

“Guyana is ready to assist as a member of UNASUR and CARICOM. This will be most fitting under the conference theme: “Exploring Areas for New Cooperation.” Ali declared.

Ali also pointed to Climate Change as another major issue that the Ummah must become vibrant on and the OIC must lead, noting that it is “imperative that all countries agree to minimum acceptable standards to combat climate change.”

He reminded the meeting too that Guyana has chosen to pursue a Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) to ensure economic growth, social progress and environmental sustainability in an interrelated manner.

“We must build trade linkages that would help to deepen our cooperation. I therefore welcome member states to make use of the opportunities available in Guyana as a safe destination for investment. Kuwait has already started in this direction to build in the economic fortunes of our country,” Minister Ali said.

Ali congratulated His Excellency Iyad Madani on his appointment as Secretary General of the OIC and noted that his stewardship will be marked by the strengthening of the OIC and the expansion of its reach into emerging areas of the Ummah; he also thanked the Kingdom and people of Saudi Arabia for their overwhelming hospitality.