Kazakhstan - Ready to Lead OIC

            Astana, April 2011: As chair for 2011/2012, Kazakhstan will welcome the 38th session of the Organization of the Islamic Conference Council of Foreign Ministers taking place in Astana - June 28th-30th.

            Kazakhstan successfully chaired the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) summit in December 2010 and produced the 7th Winter Asian Games in February this year.

            The OIC, the second-largest intergovernmental organization after the United Nations, encompasses 57 member nations from four continents. It serves as the collective voice of the Islamic world, safeguarding the interests of Muslims and encouraging peace and accord among all people and nations.

            The organization was set up during a summit in Rabat in September 1969. The first meeting of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers took place in Jeddah in 1970, culminating with the establishment of a permanent secretariat in the city. During the 11th Islamic Summit held in Dakar, in March 2008, the OIC established its current charter, which defines its objectives and principles to build unity and collaboration among member states.

            Since it was founded, the OIC has grown from 25 states to the current 57 members and is today dedicated to safeguarding Islamic values, eliminating discrimination against Muslims, protecting their interests and peacefully resolving disputes involving Muslim countries.

            At the third extraordinary session of the Islamic Summit Conference in Mecca in December 2005, the OIC put together a 10-Year Program of Action. This aims to increase understanding and to advance technology, reforms, education, trade, transparent government and human rights throughout the Muslim world.

            OIC members supported Kazakhstan’s OSCE Chairmanship in 2010 as well as its election to the OIC Council 2011-12. While on overseas visits during 2010, Kazakhstan’s officials and ambassadors told key OIC nations that the Central Asia republic would do everything to ensure its leadership would be fruitful and beneficial for all 57 members.

            Kazakhstan has a confident and visionary leadership, is experienced at holding important international events and is well positioned to enhance the OIC’s interaction with international organizations.

            A major priority of the 38th session will be promoting trade and investment among members. It will also stress building the organization’s potential to promote global security. The country’s leadership emphasizes that it will ensure the OIC interacts more effectively with the OSCE.