The OIC Group in Geneva on Tuesday unanimously endorsed Pakistan as Chair of the OIC Group for one year. Ambassador Turkekul Kurttekin of Turkey, the outgoing chairman of the OIC Group, handed over the chairmanship to Ambassador Masood Khan, Permanent Representative of Pakistan in Geneva, at a meeting of Ambassadors of OIC countries held here on Tuesday.
Ambassador Masood Khan thanked the OIC ambassadors for reposing their confidence in him and entrusting Pakistan with the chairmanship of the OIC Group.
He said, "It is a matter of great pride and honour for me and for Pakistan to assume this responsibility."
In Geneva, Masood Khan said, the OIC would have a dynamic presence. It would engage all organisations and reach out to all regional groups.
Masood said, "The Islamic world is passing through a critical phase. We have internal and external challenges. Internally, we have to contain extremism and move towards moderation. Externally, we have to close our ranks, develop a credible metaphor for the image of Islam and bridge gaps of misunderstanding through dialogue with other nations and civilisations.
"The essence of our faith is peace, tolerance and co-existence. The OIC can be the most powerful vehicle to put across this message," he added.
The OIC ambassadors greatly appreciated Pakistan's contribution in the work of the international organisations in Geneva for projecting and promoting the interests of the Islamic world. They expressed their gratitude to Pakistan for accepting the chairmanship of the group.
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