As part of strengthening cooperation with multilateral agencies and organisations in support of humanitarian work and in highlighting Islamic perspectives on relief, security, and peace, His Excellency Prof. Dr. Koutoub Moustapha Sano, Secretary-General of the International Islamic Fiqh Academy, received His Excellency Mr. Adwan Rami, Head of Donor Relations for the Middle East, North Africa, and Asia at the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), on Sunday, 16 Dhul-Qa‘dah 1447 AH, corresponding to 3 May 2026, at the Academy’s headquarters in Jeddah.

At the outset, His Excellency expressed his pleasure at Mr Rami’s visit, praising this initiative and affirming the Academy’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with UNRWA and supporting its efforts to alleviate the suffering of Palestinian refugees around the world. He noted that the Palestinian cause remains a central issue for the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and its various institutions.

For his part, Mr Adwan Rami expressed his deep gratitude and appreciation for the warm welcome and generous hospitality he received, emphasising his hope that the Memorandum of Understanding will open broader horizons for cooperation between the two institutions in pursuit of their shared objectives.

His Excellency further affirmed during the meeting that the Academy will exert its utmost efforts to support UNRWA in its humanitarian mission. Both sides agreed to enhance cooperation by organising joint symposia and scientific conferences to enrich knowledge and exchange expertise.

Following the discussions, the Memorandum of Understanding was signed, aiming to strengthen cooperation and coordination between the two institutions. The parties agreed to develop scholarly projects in the field of Islamic social finance in accordance with Sharia principles and the opinions of jurists, and to prepare research and studies on issues of mutual interest. This includes advancing their shared vision in areas such as governance, endowments (waqf), and supporting humanitarian work through Sharia-compliant financing tools, foremost among them zakat.

The meeting was attended by His Excellency Mr Muhammad Al-Munzir Ridha Al-Shawk, Director of the Cabinet, Protocol, and Legal Affairs at the Academy, and His Excellency Dr Alhagi Manta Drammeh, Head of International Cooperation and External Relations Division.