Based on the shared objectives of the International Islamic Fiqh Academy (IIFA) and the General Secretariat of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Guinea, a Memorandum of Cooperation was signed on Saturday 21 Jumada al-Ula 1443H corresponding to December 25 2021G. This protocol aims to strengthen the links of coordination, communication, and partnership in order to lead together a ruthless fight against sectarianism, fundamentalism, fanaticism, and exclusivism through the promotion of tolerance, moderation and accepting differences. It also aims to contribute to the creation of a tolerant society and to the formation of a balanced personality, able to contribute constructively to the building of human civilization, peace, and stability. This personality should be able to respond with poise and effectiveness to contemporary challenges in life.

The strategic Memorandum of Cooperation was signed by His Excellency Prof. Koutoub Mustapha Sano the Secretary General of the Academy, representing the International Islamic Fiqh Academy, and by His Excellency the Minister Secretary General of Religious Affairs of Guinea Elhadj Karamo DIAWARA, representing the General Secretariat of Religious Affairs.

This memorandum aims, among others, to strengthen cooperation in areas of mutual interest particularly with regards to dissemination of knowledge, Islamic culture, and preservation of Islamic heritage by outlining the main ideological, social, economic, and intellectual challenges in order to develop the appropriate solutions based on the provisions and guidelines of Shariah. The Memorandum also aims at fostering cooperation and continuous communication in all areas of common interest, as well as fostering cooperation between the two parties in areas of conferences, symposia, workshops, and training. The Memorandum also includes exchange of publications and representation of both parties in conferences and symposia.

Following the signing of the memorandum, His Excellency the Secretary General expressed his great satisfaction with the efficiency and promptness which now characterize the General Secretariat for Religious Affairs, particularly the enlightened leadership and the sustained foresight of His Excellency the Minister Secretary General. He also expressed his great pleasure for the conclusion of this memorandum which is the first between the Academy and a member country of the African group of the OIC and demonstrates the high regard that member states of the OIC have for the Academy.

He also expressed his profound gratitude for the commendable efforts of the Republic of Guinea in promoting moderation and strengthening the culture of tolerance and peaceful co-existence. Finally, he expressed his gratitude to the Government of Guinea for its continuous support for the Academy. His Excellency the Secretary General noted that the Memorandum will be a beginning for a new chapter in cooperation relations between the Academy and the Republic of Guinea on the one hand and between Guinea and the African countries on the other hand. The Academy will provide all the necessary scientific support that the General Secretariat of Religious Affairs needs to enable it to effectively implement its programmes and activities in the Republic of Guinea.

For the implementation of the articles of the memorandum, the two parties agreed to form a specialized committee in order to specify an implementation framework according to the directives of the Protocol.