New York, 23 September 2021 (TDI): Sri Lankan Foreign Minister, Gamini Lakshman Peiris met with the Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Yusuf Bin Ahmed Al Uthaymeen. This meeting took place on the sidelines of the 76th session of the UN General Assembly.
Both parties discussed the positive outcomes of integration among communities. Sri Lanka has had close ties with Muslim World. It was the first to recognize the State of Palestine. They formed the Sri Lanka Palestinian Friendship Society. Minister Peiris stated that Sri Lanka had continuously supported the Palestinian cause.
Secretary-General appreciated the long-standing relations between Sri Lanka and the OIC and its member countries. The secretary-General mentioned that OIC is concerned about the welfare of Muslims globally. He noticed the dangers of communities living in isolation which will pave a way for division and extremism. He underscored that OIC noted the rise in misinformation with social media. It is causing friction among communities around the world.
Foreign Minister Peiris extended an invitation to the Secretary-General to lead a delegation to Sri Lanka to see developments on the ground.
