DiplomaticQuarter: Pakistan establishes permanent mission to OIC

OIC chief Dr. Yousef Al-Othaimeen with Ambassador Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, Pakistan’s newly appointed permanent representative to the OIC. (Supplied)

JEDDAH: Pakistan’s newly appointed permanent representative to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Ambassador Rizwan Saeed Sheikh presented his credentials to OIC Secretary-General Dr. Yousef Al-Othaimeen at the organization’s headquarters in Jeddah.

A presentation of credentials by Sheikh marked the establishment of Pakistan’s dedicated permanent mission. Previously, Islamabad’s representation to the OIC was established in Riyadh.

The establishment of the new mission, coinciding with the golden jubilee of the OIC, is based on a system-wide approach reflecting Pakistan’s intent to deepen and strengthen its engagement with the OIC.

As a founding member, Pakistan attaches great importance to the OIC, which is the second-largest intergovernmental organization after the UN. 

The OIC has maintained a record of consistent support to the Kashmir cause. 

Pakistan also remains one of the largest beneficiaries of financial assistance afforded by the Islamic Development Bank group, which is a specialized organ of the organization.