On the sidelines of His Excellency’s participation in the OIC’s 15th Islamic Summit Conference in Gambia, H.E. Prof. Koutoub Moustapha Sano, Secretary General of the Academy, made a courtesy visit to H.E. Dr. Mamadou Tangara, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad, on Friday 24 Shawwal 1445, corresponding to 03 May 2024, at the Sir Dauda Kairaba Convention Centre in Banjul, Republic of The Gambia.

His Excellency expressed to his brother and friend, the Gambian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, his sincere thanks and appreciation for the warm welcome and hospitality and his great pleasure at the Republic of Gambia’s hosting of the OIC Summit and its successful organization as witnessed by all the delegations participating in the summit, praising the pivotal role of H.E. the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in this summit’s success. His Excellency also spoke about the International Islamic Fiqh Academy’s readiness to support the Republic of Gambia during its chairmanship of the summit over the next three years.

His Excellency then seized this occasion to present a brief overview of the Academy’s history, vision, mission, and objectives; and said it is “the leading jurisprudential authority for OIC member states and Muslim communities in the world in clarifying Sharia rulings on issues and developments, correcting false concepts and misconceptions about Islam, and working hard to promote moderation, tolerance, openness, coexistence, and fighting fanaticism, extremism, and terrorism.”

His Excellency also briefed the Minister on his meetings with members of Gambia’s Supreme Islamic Council and its National University, which saw the signing of cooperation agreements between the Academy, the University, and the Islamic Council, in addition to the two scientific lectures he delivered thereby. His Excellency noted that these two agreements will allow Gambian scholars from the University and the Council to participate in seminars, conferences and workshops organized by the Academy. These agreements will promote partnerships between two parties in areas of common concern.

For his part, His Excellency the Minister welcomed his guest and the accompanying delegation, thanking them for their visit and wishing them every success during their stay in The Gambia, stating, “We look forward to strengthening cooperation and coordination between the Academy and the Supreme Islamic Council, especially in correcting false concepts about some social practices, customs and traditions, and clarifying Sharia rulings on new issues and developments, as well as consolidating the partnership and communication between the Academy and the University of The Gambia in the field of research and studies, with the hope that these efforts will bear fruit and that Your Excellency’s visit to your second country, the Republic of The Gambia, will be repeated.”

The meeting was attended by Ambassador Lang Yabo, Permanenent Secretary at the Ministry of of Foreign Affairs of The Gambia, and from the Academy: Ms. Sarah Amjad Bedewi, Director of Family, Women, and Children, Mr. Amjad Mustafa Ibrahim, Head of Protocols, and Dr. Alhagi Manta Drammeh, Head of International Cooperation and External Relations.