Continued Support for the Organization of the Islamic Conference

Floor Speech

Mr. Speaker, as the United States continues to improve relations with the Islamic world, partnership with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation has become indispensable in creating mutual respect and progressive reform that has served as a bulwark against extremism, conflict, and suffering around the world.

Comprised of 57 states, the OIC specifically has been identified by the previous and current U.S. administrations as a key partner in changing the dynamic between the U.S. and the worldwide Muslim community through ongoing cultural dialogue and extensive humanitarian efforts.

Joint initiatives between the U.S. and the OIC have helped to eradicate polio and promote maternal health in Mali, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Nigeria.

This partnership has also facilitated discussions on creating economic opportunity worldwide as a permanent solution to extremist recruitment endeavors, which continually seek out the most disadvantaged in society.

Interfaith and intercultural discourse focusing on promoting religious respect and the modernization of the Muslim world have provided the means to produce new, lasting foundations of cooperation, which will be fundamental in ensuring American interests and international stability in the future.

The continued support of the OIC and its efforts to promote peace, security, and fundamental rights should be of paramount importance in U.S. foreign policy.

It is through relationships such as these that the United States will remain a consistent engine of positive international change.

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