Abdullah: OIC Needs To Focus
On Economic Development
Besides Politics
From P. Vijian
www.bernama.com
DAMASCUS, Feb 26 (Bernama) --- Islamic nations should not only focus on political issues but also concentrate on developing their economies by expanding bilateral relations among the Islamic community, Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said here today.
Member countries of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC) should not only be concerned with political issues but also economic development through cooperation, which is very important, he said.
"But we have to be practical in our approach in widening bilateral relations, like what we are doing with Syria now," Abdullah, who is also the chairman of the 57-member OIC, told reporters during a joint media conference after meeting with his Syrian counterpart Mohamad Naji Otri here.
Abdullah said it was imperative to address issues pertaining to economic development among Islamic countries, and that the OIC had taken steps to establish financial centres and banks in various member countries.
"The cooperation among Muslim countries, whether they are in Asia or in the Middle East, and I believe, whether they are in Africa, it is important to make every effort to increase cooperation, especially in the area of economic development and investments," he said.
Today, Malaysia and Syria, both members of the OIC, stepped up their bilateral relations by establishing a Joint Commission Meeting (JCM), which is expected to hold its first meeting in May.
"The inaugural JCM between Malaysia and Syria will be held in May in order to give more focus on economic development," said Abdullah, who is on a three-day visit to Syria.
In addition, both governments had also set up a Joint Economic Commission that will enable both countries to enhance bilateral trade.
This morning, Abdullah had lengthy discussions with Syrian President Dr Bashar al-Assad, at the People's Palace, where both leaders discussed problems plaguing West Asia ranging from politics to poverty.
"As for the international issues, we discussed problems in the Middle East and, at the same time, we are also aware of the importance of addressing, besides political issues facing the Muslims, other issues like poverty," he added.
After meeting the president, Abdullah had a brief discussion with Syrian Vice-President Farouq Al Shara at his office in the capital and later met the Syrian prime minister
Both prime ministers witnessed the signing of several documents, including the Agreement on Avoidance of Double Taxation.
Malaysian Works Minister Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu and Syrian Transport Minister Yaarob Suleiman signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in the Feasibility Study for the Damascus Ring Road.
BERNAMA
http://www.bernama.com
On Economic Development
Besides Politics
From P. Vijian
www.bernama.com
DAMASCUS, Feb 26 (Bernama) --- Islamic nations should not only focus on political issues but also concentrate on developing their economies by expanding bilateral relations among the Islamic community, Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said here today.
Member countries of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC) should not only be concerned with political issues but also economic development through cooperation, which is very important, he said.
"But we have to be practical in our approach in widening bilateral relations, like what we are doing with Syria now," Abdullah, who is also the chairman of the 57-member OIC, told reporters during a joint media conference after meeting with his Syrian counterpart Mohamad Naji Otri here.
Abdullah said it was imperative to address issues pertaining to economic development among Islamic countries, and that the OIC had taken steps to establish financial centres and banks in various member countries.
"The cooperation among Muslim countries, whether they are in Asia or in the Middle East, and I believe, whether they are in Africa, it is important to make every effort to increase cooperation, especially in the area of economic development and investments," he said.
Today, Malaysia and Syria, both members of the OIC, stepped up their bilateral relations by establishing a Joint Commission Meeting (JCM), which is expected to hold its first meeting in May.
"The inaugural JCM between Malaysia and Syria will be held in May in order to give more focus on economic development," said Abdullah, who is on a three-day visit to Syria.
In addition, both governments had also set up a Joint Economic Commission that will enable both countries to enhance bilateral trade.
This morning, Abdullah had lengthy discussions with Syrian President Dr Bashar al-Assad, at the People's Palace, where both leaders discussed problems plaguing West Asia ranging from politics to poverty.
"As for the international issues, we discussed problems in the Middle East and, at the same time, we are also aware of the importance of addressing, besides political issues facing the Muslims, other issues like poverty," he added.
After meeting the president, Abdullah had a brief discussion with Syrian Vice-President Farouq Al Shara at his office in the capital and later met the Syrian prime minister
Both prime ministers witnessed the signing of several documents, including the Agreement on Avoidance of Double Taxation.
Malaysian Works Minister Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu and Syrian Transport Minister Yaarob Suleiman signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in the Feasibility Study for the Damascus Ring Road.
BERNAMA
http://www.bernama.com
No comments:
Post a Comment