In order to strengthen the cooperation and partnership with the scientific, intellectual and religious institutions of the OIC Member States, H.E. Prof. Koutoub Moustapha Sano, Secretary General of the Academy, received H.E. Prof. Datu Hakima bint Muhammad Yusuf, Director General of Islamic Affairs, on Sunday, 01 Dhul Quida 1444, corresponding to 21 May 2023, at the Academy’s headquarters in Jeddah.

His Excellency welcomed his guest and the accompanying delegation and thanked them for their visit. He praised the outstanding efforts of the Ministry of Religious Affairs in general and the Department of Islamic Affairs in particular to enhance cooperation and coexistence among all segments of the Malaysian society and followers of different religions, stressing the importance of openness, tolerance, cooperation and coexistence among religions in order to meet common challenges and join efforts to fight extremism and terrorism. His Excellency gave an overview of the vision, mission, objectives and activities of the Academy. His Excellency welcomed the proposal of the General Department of Islamic Affairs regarding the draft cooperation agreement between the Academy and the Ministry, stressing that the Academy is fully willing to sign the agreement at the place and date to be determined by the General Department of Islamic Affairs, with the aim of identifying the areas and aspects of cooperation, and that it wishes to start implementing these elements soon. His Excellency concluded his speech by looking forward to Malaysia hosting one of the sessions of the Academy in the near future.

For her part, Her Excellency expressed her sincere thanks for the excellent reception accorded to her and the accompanying delegation, praising the quality activities and distinguished programs organized by the Secretariat General of the Academy, especially in the field of halal industry, correcting concepts, as well as responding to calls for fatwas in current issues and developments. In this regard, she expressed her aspiration to strengthen the ties of cooperation, coordination and partnership with the Academy, noting that the signing of the proposed cooperation agreement will soon mark the beginning of a strategic partnership between the two institutions, as it includes many activities and programs such as joint organization of conferences, seminars, workshops, exchange of expertise, visits, publications, translation of literature, as well as providing appropriate responses to inquiries on halal issues and various vaccinations. His Excellency concluded by expressing his thanks to His Excellency for the agreement of the Academy to sign a cooperation agreement between the two institutions in the near future.

The meeting ended with an exchange of souvenirs and a tour of the Academy. The meeing was attended by Mr. Muhammad Shouk, Director of Cabinet and Protocol, Mr. Mohamed Al-Fihri, Director of Administrative and Financial Affairs, and Mrs. Sarah bint Amjad Hussein, Director of Family, Women, Children and Youth Affairs at the Academy; in the presence of the Head of International Cooperation at the General Department of Islamic Affairs and the Malaysian Consul in Jeddah.