Wang Yi Meets with OIC Secretary-General Hussein Ibrahim Taha

On March 22, 2022 local time, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Hussein Ibrahim Taha in Islamabad.

Wang Yi said, the Chinese foreign minister's first attendance at a session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers reflects the continuous development of bilateral relations and the further enhancement of mutual trust. The relationship between China and the Islamic world dates back to ancient times. The two sides have supported each other on issues concerning each other's core interests, overcome difficulties in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, and walked hand in hand in the respective development process. China is ready to take its presence at the session as an opportunity to elevate the solidarity, friendship and cooperation between China and the Islamic world to new heights.

On behalf of more than 50 OIC member states, Taha welcomed China's attendance at the session, saying that exchanges between the Islamic world and China date back to ancient times, Islamic countries cherish their friendship with China, and the presence of Chinese foreign minister at the session will further boost bilateral relations. The Islamic world appreciates the fact that China has taken the lead in providing anti-pandemic assistance for Islamic countries, rendering support for the least developed Islamic countries and the Islamic Development Bank, and assisting in training thousands of overseas students from African Islamic countries to help Africa enhance its capability for self-generated development. The OIC is ready to strengthen political consultation with China, expand channels for exchanges, and deepen exchanges and cooperation in fields such as economy and trade, finance, people-to-people and cultural affairs, and inter-civilizational dialogue, thus bringing more benefits to the two peoples.

Wang Yi said, the OIC is a symbol of unity and independence of Islamic countries and it also embodies a bridge for China to develop relations with Islamic countries. The idea of strengthening the unity of the OIC member states is precisely what China has long advocated. The Palestinian people's just cause that the OIC is committed to safeguarding is precisely what China has been pursuing. Both China and Islamic countries are developing countries with similar historical experiences and common development needs. We have broad consensus on strengthening South-South cooperation, advocating multilateralism, resisting power politics, opposing unilateral bullying, and promoting democracy in international relations. China supports Islamic countries in safeguarding sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, and exploring development paths suited to their own national conditions. China will continue to stand firmly with the vast number of Islamic countries, safeguard our legitimate development rights, expand our common voice in the international community, and enhance our positive energy in the international community.

Wang Yi said, China is ready to push for new outcomes in bilateral relations. China will supply another 300 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine to Islamic countries to help African member states of the OIC improve their anti-pandemic capability and build a model of fighting the pandemic in solidarity. China is ready to strengthen cooperation in education and training, and jointly make the fifth seminar of the Chinese and Islamic civilization dialogue a success.

The two sides also exchanged views on the Palestinian question and the Afghan issue, among others. Taha appreciated China's consistent upholding of justice, saying that peace and stability cannot be achieved without China's support. The OIC is ready to work with China to strengthen dialogue and exchanges, promote mutual understanding and jointly address challenges.