OIC chief says enhanced ties between Iran, regional countries benefits Muslims

In a meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian on the sidelines of the 78th session of the UN General Assembly in New York on Friday, Taha said Iran plays a pivotal role in the Muslim world.

He added that Muslim countries should reinforce their unity to confront Israel and the threats facing the Muslim world and solve their problems and misunderstandings through dialogue.

The OIC chief also decried the desecration of the Holy Qur'an and the sanctities of Muslims with the slogan of freedom of expression.

Several incidents have occurred in recent months that featured the desecration of the Holy Qur'an both in Denmark and Sweden with the approval of the two countries' authorities.

The incidents drew strongly-worded condemnations from across the globe. The sacrilegious acts also opened the floodgates of protests throughout the Muslim world, including in Iran, with all Muslim countries condemning them in the strongest terms.

Amir-Abdollahian, for his part, said Iranian President Ebrahim Raeisi held aloft a copy of the holy Qur'an during his address to the General Assembly to urge the international community to prevent more acts of sacrilege against the holy book and sanctities.

The Iranian foreign minister expressed hope that the resolution adopted by the OIC after its emergency meeting would be seriously pursued to prevent blasphemous acts against the holy Qur'an.

He hailed great efforts by the OIC chief to boost unity among Muslim countries and invited him to visit Tehran.

The top Iranian diplomat welcomed political dialogue between Saudi Arabia and Yemen and threw Tehran's support behind the settlement of the Yemeni crisis through political approaches.

He also called on the Muslim world to support the Palestinian people and resistance.

Pointing to "very good" talks between senior Iranian and Saudi officials, Amir-Abdollahian praised progress made by both sides to improve constructive ties.