OIC Chief discusses Issues of Muslim Community in Australia

Sydney – On the last leg of his four-day visit to Australia, Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Iyad Ameen Madani met with Governor of New South Wales David Hurley at the Government House in Sydney.

The two sides discussed issues concerning the Muslim community in light of the events in the Middle East and how they are affecting them. Hurley stressed that all communities are respected, enabled to maintain their identity and integrate into a multicultural society.

On his part, Madani emphasized that citizens of any country should be patriotic to that country and at the same time they have rights that should be respected.

These points were again stressed in the meeting with Minister for Multiculturalism in New South Wales John Ajaka, who said that the Australian communities work together to make multiculturalism work. He said his job is to ensure that the strategy is implemented and that there is harmonious relationship between different communities.

Furthermore, Australia has announced that it will accept 12,000 refugees who are in of need of support to get settled in the country. The Secretary General welcomed the initiatives and programs in which the OIC can contribute towards their achievement.

Madani also met with Grand Mufti of Australia Imam Dr Ibrahim Abu Mohamed and President of the Australian National Imams Council Sheikh Shady Alsuleiman as well as other Muslim religious leaders. They briefed him on the generally good conditions of Muslims in Australia, but also on their concerns regarding the youth who are being influenced by extremist ideology through social media and direct contact. The Secretary General exchanged views with them on what can be done and how it can be done, mentioning in this regard the messaging center which is being established by the OIC to counter the propaganda of extremists.