Riyadh- SPA

Under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Dr. Khalid bin Mohammed Al-Anqari, Minister of Higher Education, opened here yesterday the 11st Session of the General Conference of the Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO) which is organized by the Ministry of Higher Education.

During a two-day event, the conference will discuss a three-year action plan draft and five reports on the ISESCO's activities.

In his address to the meeting, Dr. Al-Anqri conveyed greetings of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and Crown Prince to the participants. He expressed wishes of successful proceedings of ISESCO General Conference hoping its recommendations will come up to the expectations of Muslim countries.

'The steady and ongoing efforts made by ISESCO since its establishment, thirty years ago, in convening meetings and conferences that targeted fostering of Islamic cooperation through the fifteen strategies drawn up in the areas of education, culture, science, technology, innovation and university education, reflect the organization's vigorous action  focusing on promotion of positive interaction with the events and developments taking place in its surrounding environment. Through these endeavors, the organization is seeking to serve Muslim states by utilizing human potential and harnessing knowledge sources in Muslim countries,' Al-Anqari said.

He stressed that a combination of knowledge and economy would facilitate transition into the knowledge society which can promote ease of communication, exchange of expertise and experiences, and elevate the Islamic Nation to the ranks of developed countries.

'To help ISESCO implement its programs, achieve its objectives and step up joint Islamic action in all areas, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will continue extending its unwavering support in accordance with the directives of King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz,' the Minister of Higher Education concluded.

For his part, Dr. Abdulaziz Othman Al-Twaijri, ISESCO Director General, highlighted the march of the organization and its development, stressing that ISESCO has an extensive network of cooperation relationships and partnerships with more than 190 regional and international organizations.

He added that the organization has also actively engaged in global efforts in fields pertinent to its ambit in such a way as to foster educational, scientific and cultural development in the member states, and contribute to achieving the sought-after objectives with a high level of efficiency.

The conference will discuss issues pertaining to ISESCO educational, scientific and cultural activities and programs.