High-level participation of OIC countries in the Islamic Solidarity Summit in Makkah contributed to the success of the two-day conference, said Professor Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, secretary-general of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.

“The participation of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in the summit helped him reach an understanding with other countries, especially Saudi Arabia, on vital issues including Syria,” Al-Watan Arabic daily quoted the OIC chief as saying.

“I hope that this high-level participation in the summit would contribute to ending the bloodbath in Syria,” he said.

Ihsanoglu highlighted the important role played by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah, being an influential Islamic leader, in making the summit a success with the participation of prominent leaders.

Egyptian President Muhammad Mursi, Turkish President Abdullah Gul, Malaysian Prime Minister Mohammad Najib, Qatari Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, and Sudanese President Omar Al-Bashir were among the major participants.

“King Abdullah wants to unite Muslim countries under the banner of Islam,” the OIC chief said.

He also pointed out that work on the new OIC headquarters in Jeddah would start soon. “It’s a gift from King Abdullah to the Ummah.”

Meanwhile, Saudi Islamic scholars, officials and academics expressed their optimism that the summit would strengthen Muslim unity and solidarity.

Saleh bin Humaid, former chairman of the Shoura Council said, “I hope the summit will realize Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah’s dream to unite Muslims. We should make use of our abilities to realize the greater interests of Muslims.”

Bin Humaid condemns the fact that Palestine is still reeling under Israeli occupation.
“Every day many Muslims are killed in their own countries,” he said referring to the situation in Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, as well as other countries.

He expressed hope Muslim leaders assembling in Makkah would assume their responsibilities and adopt firm resolutions to restore the Ummah’s dignity and glory.

Makkah Mayor Osama Al-Bar highlighted Saudi Arabia’s position as a staunch supporter of Muslim causes and rights. “I hope the Makkah Declaration to be issued by the summit will include historic resolutions. King Abdullah chose to have the summit at this time to ensure its success,” he added.

Rashid Al-Rajih, deputy chairman of King Abdul Aziz National Dialogue Center, praised King Abdullah’s initiative in organizing the summit to address the problems facing the Muslim world.

Nasser Al-Saleh, former president of Umm Al-Qura University in Makkah, expressed optimism the summit will achieve positive results. “The Islamic world is going through a difficult time and it is a good opportunity to find solutions to alleviate the suffering of Muslims.”