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RI hopes for increased trade among OIC member countries

NU Online  ·  Rabu, 4 Maret 2009 | 09:23 WIB

Jakarta, NU Online
Indonesia expressed hope here on Monday that trade among members of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) could be increased in 2010.

Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono voiced the wish during a meeting with OIC Secretary General Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu at the palace, presidential spokesman Dino Patti Djalal said.<>

He said President Yudhoyono had emphasized the importance of trade among OIC members with regard to facing the current global economic challenges.

President Yudhoyono also emphasized the importance for the OIC to conduct institutional reform, he said.

"The President said the move was important with regard to continuing the implementation of the 10-year Action Plan that had been agreed upon in Senegal," he said.

President Yudhoyono at the meeting also suggested the use of soft power so that the organization`s role would remain relevant.

Ekmeleddin meanwhile expressed his appreciation to President Yudhoyono for his active role in efforts to reform the OIC.

He hoped Indonesia as the world`s largest Moslem populated country continued to play a role in the organization.

"The OIC secretary general praised Indonesia for its important role in developing Islam and democracy in the country," Dino was quoted by Antara as saying.

President Yudhoyono on the occasion also expressed the country`s gratitude for the OIC`s role in assisting orphan children of tsunami victims in Aceh.

Dino said the OIC remained committed to continuing the program and was now seeking donors for it.

In the meeting that lasted 30 minutes Ekmeleddin also asked Indonesia to continue playing a role in helping settle the conflict between the Philippine government and the MLNF in Moro.

Ekemeleddin was here to attend the World Islamic Economic Forum which was opened by President Yudhoyono and the visit was the second for him.

President Yudhoyono also received Morrocan Prime Minister Abbas El Fassi and Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. (dar)