Egypt Calls on OIC to Confront Islamophobia

CAIRO - 1 August 2023: Egypt stressed the vital role the international community needs to play in fostering a culture of tolerance, coexistence, and respect for all forms of cultural and religious diversity.

The sentiment was expressed during a speech delivered by Ambassador Hamdi Sanad Loza, the Deputy Foreign Minister for African Affairs, representing Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry, at the 18th Extraordinary Session of the Council of Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) concerning incidents of Quran desecration.

In its statement, Egypt vehemently condemned crimes targeting Muslims, their religious symbols, and the Holy Quran. The country reiterated its commitment to protecting religious freedom and promoting peaceful coexistence in the face of escalating intolerance.

Egypt further called upon the Organization of Islamic Cooperation to rally its efforts and take practical steps to confront the spread of Islamophobia, a phenomenon increasingly threatening peace and security in societies worldwide.

In his speech, Ambassador Loza also emphasized the importance of addressing such crimes and violations, preventing their recurrence, and holding the perpetrators accountable.