The Secretary General of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC), Professor Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, stated that holding a ceremony to mark the OIC 40th anniversary in the Egyptian capital Cairo reflects the pioneering and historical role Egypt has played throughout the ages in the field of spreading and defending Islam, thanks particularly to well-reputed institutions like Al-Azhar Sharif.

The Secretary General affirmed during the reception that four decades after its founding, the OIC has grown into a forum that provides the framework for a major part of the foreign relations of its Member States. He pointed out that the creation of the OIC in 1969 marks the most significant development in the contemporary history of the Muslim world. He added that as one of its prime tasks, the OIC strives at present to disseminate the untainted and true image of Islam in different parts of the world, emphasizing that the Organization has embarked ever since its inception on the reinforcement of the principles of moderation and tolerance while denouncing and rejecting all forms and manifestations of intolerance and extremism. He explained that the OIC insists on the concept of dialogue among civilizations and religions on the basis of mutual respect and equality between interlocutors.