Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation Dr. Yousef bin Ahmed Al Othaimeen met with His Holiness Pope Francis at the Vatican today, Friday, March 16, 2018.

During the meeting, both sides emphasized the importance of interfaith dialogue and raising the voice of wisdom and tolerance to combat extremism and terrorism. The secretary general emphasized to His Holiness that terrorism has no religion, and that OIC condemns all terrorist acts coming from any religion.

Othaimeen presented his thanks to the Pope for his stand on the issue of Jerusalem and the basic rights of the Muslims and Christians in the Holy City. Both sides were in agreement on the cause of Palestine and Jerusalem.

Othaimeen also appreciated the position of the Pope on many issues such as promoting human rights and migration, expressing his thanks to Pope Francis for his position on the Rohingya Muslims and their rights. The Pope from his side expressed his support to the basic rights of the Rohingya, adding that their suffering has been going on for a long time, and he thanked neighboring countries, specially Bangladesh for hosting them.

The Pope also appreciated OIC’s position against terrorism, and stressed that there is no link between Islam and terrorism.

The Secretary General also met with His Eminence the Secretary of State of the Vatican Pietro Parolin. They discussed cooperation and importance of dialogue between both sides and continuous contact.