Within the series of meetings with the Permanent Representatives of the OIC Member States, H.E. Prof. Koutoub Moustapha Sano, Secretary General of the Academy, paid a courtesy visit to the headquarters of the Representation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the OIC on Thursday 21 Dhul al-Qi’dah 1442, corresponding to 1 July 2021.

His Excellency was received by Ambassador Dr. Saleh bin Hamad Al-Suhaibani, Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the OIC, and Ambassador Mazen Al-Hamali, Director General of the Makkah Al-Mukarramah Branch of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who attended part of the meeting. H.E. the Ambassador began his speech by welcoming His Excellency and the accompanying delegation, noting in this regard the rapid changes and developments that have taken place at the Academy, since His Excellency took office as Secretary General. His Excellency also welcomed the contacts established by His Excellency with the accredited academic institutions of the headquarters country in order to strengthen cooperation and partnership between the Academy and these renowned institutions and organizations. His Excellency explained that he is closely following all the administrative procedures related to the headquarters agreement that will be signed between the Academy and the competent authorities of the headquarters country.

For his part, the Secretary General of the Academy expressed his warm thanks and gratitude for the great welcome given to him and the accompanying delegation. His Excellency also expressed his thanks, gratitude and deep appreciation for the generous support, special attention, and continuous interest that the government receives from the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and his loyal Crown Prince, HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, may Allah protect them.

His Excellency pointed out that the achievements and results obtained by the Academy are thanks to Allah the Almighty, then the great financial and moral support that the Academy has enjoyed since its inception four decades ago from the government and people of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia through the provision of a secure and integrated headquarters for the Secretariat General of the Academy which is the most significant proof of this, as well as unlimited logistical support, and a large contribution to the annual budget of the Academy.

The Secretary General of the Academy took this honorable opportunity to inform His Excellency of the most important achievements of the Academy in recent months and the recent visits that His Excellency has made to some of the member states of the organization. His Excellency also informed Ambassador Dr. Shaibani of creating new departments that follow the ongoing reforms and developments within the Secretariat General of the Academy. He also informed His Excellency of the publication of the first five-year strategic plan of the Academy since its establishment, which includes a detailed formulation of the activities and programs that the Academy intends to implement over the next five years.

His Excellency concluded his speech by reiterating his heartfelt thanks and inviting His Excellency to convey to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the most sincere thanks, highest appreciation and gratitude of the Academy including its presidency, Secretariat General, members, experts and officials, and to his loyal Crown Prince, HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, may Allah protect them, as well as to the esteemed local authorities who ensure that the Academy can perform the tasks entrusted to it by Muslim world leaders.

For his part, Ambassador Al-Suhaibani wished His Excellency and the International Islamic Fiqh Academy much success and progress, stressing that the Headquarters State will continue to support the Academy at all levels.