'OIC Parliamentary Union meeting in Algeria opportunity to reinforce Muslims’ unity'
Iranian Parliament (Majlis) Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf says the 17th session of the Parliamentary Union of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation in Algeria provides an opportunity to reinforce unity among Muslim countries.
According to Press TV, speaking to reporters on Saturday before leaving Tehran for Algiers to attend the 17th session of the PU-OIC, Qalibaf said the two-day event would be among "important economic and cultural opportunities" to forge unity among African countries and the Muslim world.
He added that the conference would be held at a very sensitive juncture as Western countries make efforts to spread Islamophobia and amid the special situation of Palestinians and the Israeli regime's measures against Palestinians in the Occupied Territories.
The conference, which will be held on Sunday and Monday and will be attended by parliamentary heads from the OIC member states, will discuss several topics on its agenda, including confronting Israeli plans and protecting al-Aqsa Mosque, in addition to combating all forms and manifestations of terrorism.
Elsewhere in his remarks, Qalibaf said that during the event in Algeria, Iran would raise issues in connection with the "Muslim world and solidarity to [promote] sustainable peace and development."
The top Iranian parliamentarian added that he would also hold bilateral and multilateral meetings on the sidelines of the conference.
He noted that it is a unique opportunity that the conference is held in North Africa which is mainly composed of Muslim states.
He emphasized that enemies of the Muslim world are trying to sow discord among different religions, saying the Algeria conference would prepare the ground for Muslim nations to take "serious and fundamental" steps to counter those who intend to harm Islam and portray Muslims as terrorists.
ME
