Islamic states vow to defeat terrorism, extremism

Istanbul, April 12: Foreign ministers of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) member nations, gathered here for its 13th summit, pledged on Tuesday to defeat terrorism and extremism.

"We will continue to fight against force of darkness and extremism that misrepresent the real teaching of Islam, which is based on tolerance," Xinhua quoted Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry as saying.

In his view, the Islamic world is in need of moderation and an integrated strategy for an effective struggle against terrorism and extremism.

Shoukry also appealed for a dialogue among civilisations and religions to overcome the challenges facing the region.

"We hope we will win despite all of the sacrifices we gave," he added.

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said an action plan that will draw a road map for the OIC over the next 10 years will be adopted at the OIC leaders' summit slated for Thursday and Friday.

"I believe that the Islamic world will achieve the targets of the action plan with a spirit of unity and solidarity," Cavusoglu said.

At the meeting of foreign ministers, Shoukry handed over the OIC presidency to his Turkish counterpart.

The 13th OIC summit is expected to draw more than 50 heads of state or government, including Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani.

IANS