JAKARTA, 29 Rabi al-Awwal/21 Feb.(IINA)-The Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu had an exclusive bilateral meeting with H.E. President of Indonesia Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on 20 February 2012. The two sides reviewed the overall situation and developments in the Muslim Ummah and exchanged views of further strengthening cooperation among the OIC Member States to enhance the  profile and image of the Organization in the international community.

The President also received the OIC Secretary General along with the Commissioners of the Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission (IPHRC) who are having their first formal session in Indonesia from February 20 to 24. In his address to them, the Indonesian President paid tributes to Ihsanoglu for his leadership in bringing dynamism to the OIC and for its transformation to make it compatible with the times.  He said that the holding of the first formal session of the IPHRC in Jakarta was a historic and milestone event not only for Indonesia but for all the OIC Member States. The President said that OIC should be part of the solution of the challenges faced by the Muslim Ummah. He said that in this context, the IPHRC would not only benefit the OIC but the world at large.

Ihsanoglu, while thanking Indonesia for hosting the first formal session of IPHRC session, said that the OIC had to work hard for its materialization and that it was possible because of the commitment of all the Member States to Human Rights. The two leaders praised the Commissioners for their individual experience and expertise in the area of Human Rights and expressed their confidence that they would devote themselves to fulfill the onerous responsibility reposed upon them in consolidating the respect of Human Rights, democratic values and rule of law that was embedded in Islam.

Earlier in the day, the OIC Secretary General held separate bilateral meetings with the Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. R. M. Marty M. Natalegawa at the Ministry and the Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Wardana. He exchanged views with both of them on developments of the OIC. The Sectary General also had a meeting with Speaker of the Indonesian Parliament (Majlis) Mr. Marzuki Alie.

AH/IINA