Baku concerned over growing Islamophobia

By Sara Rajabova - AzerNews 

Azerbaijan has voiced great concern over the growth of Islamophobia, particularly in Europe.

Elmar Mammadyarov, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister made the remark at a meeting with Iyad bin Amin Madani, Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation in Baku on August 25, the Azerbaijani foreign ministry told Trend.

He said Azerbaijan attaches great importance to relations with the OIC and this organization creates a favorable atmosphere for the further development of bilateral and multilateral cooperation with its member countries.

Noting the importance of solidarity within the Islamic Ummah, the minister noted that the OIC is an important mechanism for discussion and resolution of problems facing the Islamic world.

Mammadyarov appreciated the fact that the OIC strongly condemns the aggressive policy of Armenia against Azerbaijan and supports the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict within the principles of international law, in particular within the framework of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Azerbaijan.

The OIC always kept the issue of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict in focus. Its member states expressed concern over the occupation of Azerbaijan territories by Armenia as well as the looting and destruction of archeological, cultural and religious monuments in those areas, including those Islamic monuments included in the resolution adopted by the organization during the OIC summit in Dakar, Senegal in 2008.

Further speaking, Amin Madani congratulated Azerbaijan with organizing of the first European Games at a high level, expressing confidence that the Islamic Solidarity Games will be held in Baku in 2017 at the same level.

By highly appreciating Azerbaijan's active role as an OIC member, Amin Madani said the country’s contribution in the implementation of economic, political and humanitarian goals of the organization deserves approval.

Furthermore, exchange of views on issues of the OIC activity mechanism, priority directions, upcoming events and other aspects of mutual interest took place during the meeting.