Baku, Azerbaijan, Aug. 25
By Elchin Mehdiyev - Trend:
Islamophobia growth, particularly in Europe, causes great concern, Elmar Mammadyarov, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister said at a meeting with Iyad bin Amin Madani, Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Baku, the ministry told Trend Aug. 25.
By congratulating Azerbaijan with organizing of the first European Games at a high level, Amin Madani expressed confidence that the Islamic Solidarity Games will be held in Baku in 2017 at the same level.
By highly appreciating Azerbaijan's active role as an OIC member, Amin Madani said that the country's contribution in the implementation of economic, political and humanitarian goals of the organization deserves approval.
In turn, Mammadyarov said that Azerbaijan attaches great importance to relations with the OIC and this organization creates a favorable atmosphere for the further development of bilateral and multilateral cooperation with its member countries.
Noting the importance of solidarity within the Islamic Ummah, the minister said that the OIC is an important mechanism for discussion and resolution of problems facing the Islamic world.
The foreign minister appreciated the fact that the OIC strongly condemns the aggressive policy of Armenia against Azerbaijan and supports the settlement of the [Nagorno-Karabakh] conflict within the principles of international law, in particular within the framework of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Azerbaijan.
The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts.
Exchange of views on issues of the OIC activity mechanism, priority directions, upcoming events and other aspects of mutual interest took place during the meeting.