United News of Bangladesh

Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, secretary-general of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), met Dr Khalilur Rahman, president of the United Nations General Assembly, on the sidelines of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly in New York. The OIC secretary-general congratulated Khalilur Rahman on assuming his duties as president of the General Assembly. The two sides discussed ways to strengthen cooperation and coordination between the OIC and the United Nations and exchanged views on key regional and international issues, including the Palestinian cause, security and stability, combating Islamophobia and hate speech, and supporting the Sustainable Development Goals. UNGA President Khalilur Rahman commended the OIC's role as an important UN partner in promoting international peace and security, fostering dialogue and intercultural understanding, and addressing common challenges. He also reaffirmed his commitment to continued cooperation and coordination with the OIC General Secretariat.

Hissein Brahim Taha, Secretary-General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), has extended his warmest congratulations to the government of Bangladesh and Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman on his election as president of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly. In a message, the Secretary-General extended his best wishes to Khalilur Rahman for success in the performance of his duties, expressing his confidence that his leadership of the General Assembly would contribute to strengthening multilateralism and addressing common global challenges, owing to his diplomatic acumen and experience, and to the constructive role played by the People's Republic of Bangladesh on the international stage and within the UN and the OIC. The Secretary-General also affirmed the OIC's commitment to continuing cooperation and coordination with the Presidency of the United Nations General Assembly in the promotion of peace, security, and development worldwide. The 81st session of the General Assembly will open on September 8, with world leaders scheduled to gather at UN Headquarters in New York two weeks later for the annual high-level debate. In a secret-ballot vote, Khalilur Rahman defeated Cyprus’ Ambassador Andreas Kakouris 99-91, with three countries not voting.  He will succeed Germany’s former Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, whose one-year term ends in September.