Rouhani made the remarks in a Wednesday meeting with Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu on the sidelines of the 68th annual session of the UN General Assembly in New York.
“Islamophobia has created problems for relations between the Islamic world and other countries,” Rouhani said.
The Iranian president underlined the significant role of the OIC in tightening the ranks of Muslim countries and defending Islamic thoughts in today’s world.
The Iranian chief executive also expressed Tehran’s readiness for the further expansion of bilateral ties with the OIC in various areas.
The OIC chief, for his part, praised Iran’s growing relations with the Muslim organization, expressing hope for further cooperation among the OIC member states.
The two sides also stressed the need for strengthening unity in the Muslim world and removing misconceptions surrounding the religion of Islam.
The OIC, which was established in 1969, is the second-largest inter-governmental organization after the United Nations and has 57 member states spread over four continents. The body also has a permanent delegation to the UN.
The Islamic association says it is “the collective voice of the Muslim world” and works to “safeguard and protect the interests of the Muslim world in the spirit of promoting international peace and harmony.”
