Musharraf for considering changes in OIC charter

04 Dec, 2005

President General Pervez Musharraf on Saturday called for considering changes in the charter of the OIC as part of reforms to make it an effective and dynamic organisation for betterment of the Muslim world.
He was talking to Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Dr Muhammad Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah, who called on him at the Bayan Palace.
The Kuwaiti Foreign Minister, agreeing with the President, observed that the Organisation of Islamic Conference came into being under particular circumstances and added that its charter could be reviewed.
Leaders from 57 Muslim countries are to meet in Makkah next week to reform and revamp OIC as part of efforts to steer their 1.5 billion population to sustained socio-economic development.
Dr Sabah expressed Kuwait's deep sense of grief over last month's earthquake catastrophe and said the Gulf country has pledged US dollars 100 million relief and reconstruction assistance for survivors.
Energy and Oil Minister Sheikh Ahmed Al-Fie Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah and Health Minister Ahmad Abdullah Al-Sabah also jointly called on the President.
President Musharraf briefed them about Pakistan's reconstruction and rehabilitation plans in the quake-hit areas of NWFP and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
He said Pakistan looks forward to generous response from friendly countries in the sponsorship of educational and health facilities in the quake zone.
It was agreed in the meeting that technical level talks would take place for supply of diesel to Pakistan on favourable terms.
Information Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmad, Minister of State for Petroleum Mohammad Naseer Mengal, and Foreign Secretary Riaz Mohammad Khan were also present.
Later, Finance Minister Bader Al-Humaidhi and Director General Kuwait Fund Abdul Wahab Al-Badr also called on President Musharraf.
The President informed the Kuwaiti officials about the potential about the potential for increase in bilateral trade and investment opportunities existing in Pakistan in view of its fast-processing economy.
They also discussed prospects for financing development projects in Pakistan.
Meanwhile, President General Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah reaffirmed the two countries' mutual desire to expand economic and political relationship.
The two leaders met briefly at Kuwait international airport, immediately after the arrival of the Pakistani leader for a two-day visit to the Gulf country.
In a brief interaction with the local media, the President said he looked forward to further cementing the close relationship between the two states.
"The two countries have close relationship - and we will discuss ways to further enhance our trade and economic ties," he said.
Sheikh Sabah welcomed the President to Kuwait and said the two countries shared the desire to further consolidate their relationship.
The two leaders will hold formal talks later in the day.
The President said the two sides will also discuss regional and international issues.
Kuwait, a powerful member of the Gulf Co-operation Council, is Pakistan's third biggest trade partner in the Gulf after Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
Around 120,000 Pakistanis are employed in various fields of Kuwaiti economy.
Earlier, the Pakistani leader was accorded a warm reception on arrival.

Read Comments