King Salman Heads Tonight OIC Meeting

The Holy city of Mecca hosts on Friday the 14th ordinary summit of the organization of the Islamic cooperation (OIC) to discuss a number of issues, mainly the Palestinian cause, fighting terrorism and extremism, islamophobia, and other social related topics.

The summit is the third to be hosted by Saudi Arabia this week following two urgent Gulf and Arab meetings held on Thursday at the invitation of Custodian of the Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud who reiterated the Kingdom’s keenness to preserve the stability and security of the region and to spare it the scourge of war.

Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al KHalifa said after arriving to Jeddah on Thursday, “Holding the three summits reflect the Saudi King’s wise leadership and the tremendous efforts he is exerting to safeguard National security and enhance joint Arab and Islamic action in order to strengthen the ability of the Arab and Islamic nation to face all issues and counter the current challenges that pose a serious threat to their countries’ security and stability.”

He also expressed confidence that the summits will augur a new phase of Arab and Islamic solidarity, cooperation and complementarity that would meet the aspirations of Arab and Islamic peoples for more development and prosperity.

Saudi Arabia took over the presidency of OIC during a meeting of the foreign ministers held Thursday, preparatory to the 14th OIC summit in Mecca.

Dr. Sami Al-Obaidi, chairman of the Council of Saudi Chambers (CSC), said Thursday that the three summits reflect the role of the Kingdom as a leading and pivotal state at the regional and international levels.

Hours before holding the first summit, the flags of tens of Arab, Gulf and Islamic countries were erected on the green lampposts in the streets leading to Masjid Al Haram.

Worshippers, draped in all-white uniforms, walked under the flags while heading to the Grand Mosque to perform Umrah or minor pilgrimage.

“Saudi Arabia welcomes Gulf States Leaders,” “The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia welcomes leaders of OIC,” read large banners erected along the streets.

Several leaders began arriving to Mecca on Thursday, including Jordanian King Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein, Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah, Egyptian President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi, chairman of Sudan’s Transitional Military Council Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, in addition to Qatari Prime Minister and Interior Minister Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani.